A variety of oral drug testing devices are available to determine recent marijuana use. For the first time, a new NIDA study compares the ability of these devices to accurately detect specific cannabinoids – the chemical compounds found in marijuana. The researchers looked at diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of the tests. In particular, the study identified devices that perform better at determining cannabinoid concentrations within certain time periods of detection in occasional and frequent users.
A reliable, non-invasive test for recent marijuana use could be a valuable tool in the workplace or for drugged driving tests.
For a copy of the study (published online May 15), go to
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00216-014-7813-9.
For a video interview with NIDA’s Dr. Marilyn Huestis on this topic, go to
www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/podcasts/2013/09/dr-marilyn-huestis#video.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.