MHPS not seeing higher numbers in cannabis-impaired drivers

Over the last 30 days, their one drug recognition expert hasn’t been used.

The service announced at the beginning of October that they wouldn’t be purchasing the only roadside screening test available, saying they wanted to wait and see how the devices work first.

West said plans are still in place to have more officers trained to perform the roadside tests themselves.

“We’re going to continue with our plan to get more drug recognition experts trained and have our field sobriety officers qualified as well and we’re going to of course charge ahead with that,” he said. “It’s a matter of public safety. We don’t know what the impact is going to be a year from now, it’s just been the first 30 days.”

Police departments across Canada say there needs to be more awareness when it comes to having cannabis in a vehicle.

West said people do need to be more aware of the regulations surrounding cannabis.

There are some hefty fines which can be handed out if you’re caught with it open and in your vehicle, if it’s within arms reaching and if you’re smoking it.

But he adds drivers aren’t the only target. Passengers can be fined as well.

“Consuming cannabis inside your vehicle, it’s a $575 fine,” West added. “Having open cannabis inside the vehicle, within easy reach of any occupant of the vehicle, is a fine as well.”

West said officers do use some discretion when they are in that situation.

by Ashley Wiebe

MHPS not seeing higher numbers in cannabis-impaired drivers

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