Cannabix Technologies Inc. reported that Friedel, LLC based in Montana will commence piloting Cannabix's  Contactless Alcohol Breathalyzer. In the fall of 2022, the Company developed its CAB technology for workplaces and vehicles that consist of wall-mounted and in-vehicle versions.  The Friedel Clinic has a robust drug testing operation and is one of the top drug testing providers to employers within the state of Montana. The high-volume clinic has a diverse range of patients and focuses on private sector testing for alcohol and illicit drugs.  The Friedel Clinic has extensive experience piloting with new alcohol and drug testing technologies.

The wall mounted CAB would be targeted for employers needing to deploy a pre-access test for alcohol consumption before and during work hours in a fast and cost-effective way. The CAB technology allows for a user to direct a single breath sample towards a small orifice integrated into a wall mounted unit (for indoor use) and behind the steering wheel for in-cabin vehicle use – in a completely contactless manner. The CAB is fundamentally different than existing alcohol breathalyzers and interlock systems that require users to use a mouthpiece or straw and directly blow into a handheld device that is connected to the vehicle usually with a cable.

The Cannabix CAB could be integrated into various locations in the vehicle cabin. The CAB provides a warning, pass or fail result along with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level on the screen for the driver to see. This kind of technology holds potential to be integrated with interlock systems and be used in various settings including automotive, heavy-duty equipment, heavy transport vehicles, watercraft and motorbikes.

Furthermore, the device could be used in bars, restaurants and hotels for both patrons and employees. The Company has developed its CAB technology in response to interest in new vehicle alcohol detection technologies. In September 2022, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a recommendation that all new vehicles be equipped with technology that would prevent a person impaired by alcohol from driving (1).

In November 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives, passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which called for new cars to come equipped with technology that will detect alcohol in breath. The legislation directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set new safety standards within three years for impaired driving safety equipment on all new vehicles (2) (3).