Ontario Provincial Police conducting a Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere (RIDE) program in Elliot Lake Monday afternoon leads to cannabis charge.
Around 2 pm Monday, OPP stopped a commercial vehicle on Pearson Drive and spoke to the male driver.
Police say they could smell burnt cannabis coming from inside the vehicle and a search revealed the substance along with paraphernalia.
As a result, a 39-year-old Elliot Lake man was charged with driving with cannabis readily available.
While consuming recreational cannabis is legal, Ontario law states you cannot consume it in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at risk of being put into motion.
If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, including cannabis, you risk facing serious penalties, such as:
- an immediate licence suspension
- financial penalties
- possible vehicle impoundment
- possible criminal record
- possible jail time
Police have tests to determine is you are impaired and are now also use roadside oral fluid screening devices.
