This week marks the beginning of nationwide cannabis legalization in Canada, and with it comes a cloud of new laws designed to put the government in the middle of your next smoke session. Along with provincial regulations that render the sale of THC-infused edibles and concentrates illegal (for now), as well as a ban on products featuring pot imagery, three new federal laws have been enacted under Bill C-46 to help regulate what legalization critics seem to fear most — stoned drivers.
According to a recent Health Canada survey, 39% of cannabis users have driven within two hours of getting high, an alarming statistic for opponents who believe that legalization will result in a spike in drug-related deaths. “We think there will be an influx [of people driving under the influence],” Eric Dumschat, Legal Counsel for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, told MERRY JANE in a phone interview. “When you look at Washington and Colorado post-legalization, they saw an increase in drug presence in their fatal injured drivers. Maybe it’s because of legalization, maybe it’s because they’re doing better testing. Regardless, the results are still concerning.”
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According to Vancouver-based criminal lawyer Kyla Lee, “The government is creating per se limits for drug concentration, so if you have a certain amount in your body, you’re considered to be impaired regardless of whether or not you’re actually impaired.” She added in a phone call with MERRY JANE that it will “be a challenge for medical users who need cannabis in order to be stable, to be well, or to be able to operate a motor vehicle. Those people could be found guilty of committing a criminal offense for doing something that is medically suggested.”
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