A police officer in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada issued the nation’s first citation for stoned driving just an hour after legalization, according to The Drive.
While police were unsure if the cannabis had been obtained legally, they did not deem it worthy of an investigation and instead only issued the now-normal citation. Considering the hour — 1 a.m. on October 17 — they believed it likely was illegally obtained but were not concerned with that detail of the traffic stop.
Also, Canadian drivers should be aware of an important detail relating to packaged — and even unconsumed — edibles.
“If somebody has an edible in a car and we can prove it, that’s also an offense. Sometimes we can, sometimes we can’t. And when edibles are legally produced commercially, then it might be a little bit easier because there’ll be packaging and things that might be visible.” — Gord Spado, Winnipeg Police Service traffic division Inspector
Cannabis of any type may not even be stored in an accessible place while the vehicle is in motion on a public road in Canada.
The fine totaled CA$672, which is the standard amount for consuming cannabis in a vehicle. The fine for cannabis not stored properly in an inaccessible place is CA$237.
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