Detection of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Impairment Using Resting-State Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) induces intoxication and functional impairment, raising safety concerns in driving. The traditional impairment detection method, behavioral field sobriety tests (FSTs), are subject to bias.

Objective

To determine whether resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can detect THC-related impairment with greater accuracy and a lower rate of false positives than FSTs.

Design, setting, and participants

This double-blind, randomized, crossover trial was conducted from January 2017 to January 2021 at a single site. Eligible participants were adults aged 18 to 55 years who used cannabis. Analyses were performed from November 2024 to November 2025.

Interventions

Part

SUBMITTER: Berchansky M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12859723 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature