Today has been talked about as one of big change for the country, but Barrie police says it's business as usual.
Canada’s new legalization of recreational cannabis is here and while many pot advocates around the country will be celebrating, they should know they need to watch how much they celebrate as laws are in place to maintain the safety of others.
Police departments across the country will be expected to be up to speed on all things regarding cannabis by now.
Barrie police Const. Sarah Bamford says that while it’s been tough to get ready, she and the local cops are.
“It is business as usual when we’re discussing the safety of our community as that is always Job 1,” said Bamford. “It is has been rigorous in getting to this day with many training seminars, but all of our members are prepared.”
Driving while under the influence will obviously not be tolerated and for those wondering, police can check you.
The Draeger Drugtest 5000 seems to be the most popular of the roadside testing devices and, through the swabbing of saliva, tests for cannabis, opiates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, but also comes with a price tag of around $6,000.
It is illegal to drive within two hours of being over the legal limit of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana and having between two and five nanograms of THC per millilitre will have serious consequences.
While Bamford says the local police department does not yet have any Draeger devices, officers will still be prepared. And if you’re caught under the influence, it could mean a criminal conviction, up to a fine of $1,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
“We do not have a Draeger Drugtest 5000 at this time,” Bamford told BarrieToday. “That said, we do have eight drug recognition evaluators and 45 field sobriety testers, so we feel we are trained and prepared for the new legislation.”
Bamford reminds everyone that RIDE programs will still be out in force when needed and that if you are driving high, you will be caught.
Barrie police will also be held to the same laws as they will be expected to follow the regulations they have always been expected to adhere to.
“We will continue to follow our Fit For Duty practice that has been widely talked about with police services across the province,” said Bamford. “Because of the new legislation, everyone is concerned about police service members having to adhere to the laws, and understandably, but our Fit For Duty applies to pretty much everything.
"Officers are expected to report safely and professionally for duty whether that be from the effects of being tired, sick, alcohol or drugs; not being fit to report will never be tolerated.”
