Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

True or False? A breath test is an appropriate method to measure THC levels.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in certain states

4. Only for law enforcement

The correct answer is: False

Breath testing is designed primarily to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and is widely accepted as a reliable method for assessing intoxication levels related to alcohol consumption. However, when it comes to THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, breath tests are not considered an appropriate or accurate method for several reasons. Firstly, THC operates differently in the body compared to alcohol. THC can remain in a person's system for an extended period, often long after the effects have worn off. This means that a positive breath test for THC does not necessarily correlate with recent impairment or current intoxication, as THC can be detected long after consumption. Additionally, the technology for measuring THC in breath is still in developmental stages, and existing devices often lack the necessary validation and reliability to be used in legal settings. While there might be advances in breath testing technology in the future, as of now, breath tests are not standard practice for determining THC levels, making the assertion that they are an appropriate method inaccurate. In summary, the correct statement is that breath tests are not suitable for measuring THC, which supports the choice that the statement is false.