‘Police will act accordingly’ as new cannabis rules go into effect

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/10/2018 (2029 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers were keen to buy legalized cannabis online and in line, but if they light up at the legislature to celebrate or take to the roads, they may find themselves slapped with hefty fines.

City police say they’re monitoring public places for illegal consumption; RCMP are watching the highways; and arrest reports will be made public, as they are for any offence.

The Winnipeg Police Service posted the first recorded infraction Wednesday morning via Twitter, with a photo of the ticket (a $672 fine) for consuming cannabis in a vehicle.

“As with past events of this nature, we are prepared to monitor any events and gatherings that take place. If there are obvious criminal acts, police will act accordingly,” WPS spokeswoman Const. Tammy Skrabek said in an email.

Skrabek said one of those places will be the Manitoba legislature, where cannabis lovers have annually spent April 20 on its lawn, puffing away in a smoky display of civil disobedience.

Provincial authorities said they had no advance notice of any group gathering. However, the first day of legalized cannabis in Canada is expected to be on the radar for pot enthusiasts who see it as an historic occasion.

Winnipeg police wouldn’t say if officers will turn a blind eye at the legislature, as in past 4/20 gatherings, and as they did the day the NHL’s return to the city was announced in 2011.

“We are aware of the potential for a gathering, (and will) have appropriate units set to respond, if necessary,” Skrabek said.

Police indicated any charges will depend on the situation.

“Cases of individual breaches will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, similar to incidents of open liquor. Officers will use discretion when determining what action is appropriate,” Skrabek said.

RCMP said they also are also keeping an eye out for gatherings, but their watchword is also discretion. Expect the RCMP to focus on tokers who take to the highways in Manitoba.

“While there have been changes to legislation, two things remain constant: impaired driving and illicit cannabis,” RCMP spokeswoman Tara Steele said.

The Mounties have logged a lot of hours training front-line officers to deal with the end of pot prohibition, but there were no plans to add any officers to duty rosters.

“RCMP officers will continue, as they have always done, to focus on public safety and enforce the laws as they are written,” Steele said.

“The RCMP will continue to remain focused on keep our roads safe from drivers impaired by any substance, and ensure the public is safe by ensuring they are purchasing (legal) cannabis supplied by a licensed retailer.”

The provincial fine for smoking or vaporizing cannabis in public is $672, regardless of the number of offences. Ditto if caught consuming cannabis in or on a vehicle, in motion or parked.

The fine for carrying cannabis improperly stored in a vehicle is $237.

As Canadians get used to the new rules, police issued a reminder: if a person is seen breaking the law by smoking or vaping cannabis in public, don’t call 911.

“911 calls need to be answered immediately,” said WPS spokesman Const. Jay Murray. “You can still contact police if you have a concern about marijuana, but it’s not an emergency.”

Those calls can go through 204-986-6222.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca