What You Need to Know About Cannabis and Driving
The Cannabis Act is Now in Effect: What You Need to Know
While the medicinal use of marijuana has been permissible in Canada for some time, the Cannabis Act legalized the drug for recreational use nationwide as of Oct. 17, 2018. Also known as Bill C-45, this federal law is designed to establish a regulatory framework, particularly as it relates to the production, distribution, sale, cultivation and possession of cannabis across Canada.
Federal and Provincial Laws
To make note of the legalization of Cannabis, laws have been passed in the federal and provincial level. Under the Federal Government’s new legislation, there has been 3 new drug-impaired offences related to drug-impaired driving which include:
- Low threshold levels of drug concentration
- High threshold levels of drug concentration
- Combinations of drug and alcohol.
In Saskatchewan, it’s illegal to drive while impaired and The Government of Saskatchewan has passed a zero-tolerance policy for drug impaired driving. In the provincial level the consequences for drug-impaired vary depending on your driving experience. Under the federal laws, police can charge drivers under the criminal code of Canada and your vehicle will be seized for 30 days and you will receive immediate license suspension.
Drug Impaired Driving
Cannabis can impair judgement and performance. It affects your ability to make quick judgements during unexpected situations, such as an animal crossing the highway and could double your risk of collision. Therefore, driving under the influence of cannabis should be avoided. Police could legally request a Standard Field Sobriety Test or a Drug Recognition Evaluation if they find reason to believe a driver is driving under the influence.
By using Cannabis in a responsible manner, you are protecting your life and the lives of others around you!