Cannabix Technologies Provides Technology Update on Marijuana Breathalyzer Development

Vancouver, British Columbia, June 18, 2018 -- Cannabix Technologies Inc. (CSE: BLO) (OTC PINK: BLOZF) (the “Company or Cannabix”) developer of the Cannabix Marijuana Breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace, is pleased to report that recent testing with Beta 3.0 has shown the identification and first order separation of two key metabolites of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), being 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol in standards. In addition, scientists have made significant progress towards using lower flow rates that will become important for user groups with poor lung function. Furthermore, engineers have been testing a new breath capture method that can hold THC breath samples in a stable manner for several days. 

∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) the main psychoactive component of marijuana is metabolized into and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol at different rates based on route of entry into the body. Smoked THC is converted predominantly to 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol which is then glucuronidated to a water-soluble form that can be detected in body fluids. Ingested THC is metabolized via the hepatic portal circulation to 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol prior to oxidation to 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol. The Cannabix FAIMS device coupled to real time switchable mass spectrometry is actively being tuned to detect these key molecules and their complex pathways in the body to enable the identification of recency of use.

The recent passing of legislation Bill C-45 by the Senate of Canada and legislative developments in the State of Vermont, have increased the number of inquires for the Cannabix breathalyzer device and the Company has received interest in piloting from both U.S. and Canadian law enforcement groups as well as other organizations that drug test their employees. The Senate Judiciary Committee in the state of Vermont recently rejected a bill to use saliva testing for THC enforcement, amid concerns of scientific validity, accuracy, and infringement on civil liberties.
 
Rav Mlait, CEO, stated, “With the passing of Bill C-45 in Canada the growing problem of drugged driving will increasingly become an issue of paramount concern for federal, provincial and civic governmental officials and the public at large who are concerned about maintaining public safety on our roads, institutions and in our workplaces. A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that drugs are being detected more often in drivers responsible for fatal crashes. The problem of drugged driving is compounded by lack of nationally accepted method for testing drugged driver impairment. Cannabix Technologies has been at the forefront of research and development in this arena and understands the complexities related to breath testing for marijuana. As the issue of drugged driving becomes increasingly acute, Cannabix is committed to using its technology, R&D and scientific experience to provide effective tools to aid law enforcement and help governments and the public transition to marijuana legalization in various jurisdictions.”