Journal Published Online: 01 October 1983
Volume 28, Issue 4

Measurement of Δ -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Whole Blood Samples from Impaired Motorists

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The major psychoactive cannabinoid in marihuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) was measured in 1792 randomly selected blood specimens from erratic motorists arrested for impairment who submitted to blood alcohol sampling. Of these specimens, 14.4% were positive for THC (5.5 ng/mL). In those erratic driver specimens negative for alcohol THC positives rose to 23%. Drivers who used marihuana covered a broad age range. Aliquots of hemolyzed blood (10 μL) were analyzed by a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) not requiring extraction. RIA accuracy and specificity were validated by gas liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GLC/MS) split pair analysis (correlation coefficient = 0.93). This initial experience should facilitate and amplify a program designed to set forth the epidemiology of marihuana use in motorists and possible behavioral correlates.

Author Information

Zimmermann, EG
Receptor Research Institute, Glendale, CA
Yeager, EP
Receptor Research Institute, Glendale, CA
Soares, JR
Receptor Research Institute, Glendale, CA
Hollister, LE
Veterans Administration Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
Reeve, VC
, Sacramento, CA
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11604J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11604J