Cannabis-Related Charges “Fewer Than Expected” in Saskatoon
SPS Reports 206 Cannabis-Related Charges in First Year of Cannabis Legalization – LPC
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) reported it had laid 206 cannabis-related charges during the first year of cannabis legalization. That was fewer than anticipated under the Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act.
“Since cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018, the SPS has experienced fewer issues than were expected based on our research,” the report states.
The report said there were several factors including preparation on the part of the SPS. Other factors included “using appropriate investigative approaches when required, public outreach, and the efforts of government to provide a safe transition to legalization.”
There were also 11 other federal cannabis-related charges. A guns and gangs unit operation found 3.45 kilograms of cannabis and 960 grams of a concentrated cannabis resin called shatter. Another SPS operation shut down an illegal dispensary.
“The robust approach to investigating and charging the operator of a non-licensed cannabis outlet appears to have stopped their establishment in Saskatoon,” the report states.
Impaired Driving, Underage Consumption Also Led to Charges – LPC
Eight of the provincial charges stem from impaired driving, and there were nine roadside suspensions. Those charges were based on Drager DrugTest 5000 roadside screening device. This controversial device only measures THC levels, not impairment. Michelle Gray from Sackville, NS planned to bring the cannabis impairment test to court after police suspended her licence at a spot check. She was later found not to be impaired, and all cannabis-related charges were dropped.
For its part, Drager (the German manufacturer also goes by the name Draeger and Dräger) stated that the device is “not meant to measure impairment”. Recent research confirmed that levels of THC in the blood do not correspond to impairment in the way alcohol does. This study could impact company cannabis zero-tolerance policies as well as the use of roadside impairment tests.
Other charges laid in the first year include 50 youths charged with underage consumption.
It’s not clear that the Saskatoon experience with lower-than-expected cannabis-related charges is the same everywhere in Canada. Given that there weren’t any cannabis consumption spikes after legalization, it wouldn’t be a surprise. In general, public acceptance in Canada and governmental education about the dangers of impairment should lead to fewer problems.
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