Drunk driving may be down in Canada, but the country is still facing a big, green, smelly problem after October 2018: driving under the influence of marijuana. According to recent reports, police in Canada are having an immensely difficult time wrestling with motorists who are driving high, thanks to the certain presence of the little green plant’s cannabinoids in their systems. Also, in another bizarre twist, the majority of the arrests were not only taking place simply because the driver was high but also occurring due to the simple fact that the drivers had marijuana in the front part of the vehicle (e.g. cupholder, windshield, or pocket). Needless to say, legal officials in Canada are not very pleased. Let’s take a closer look at the big battle between Ontario police and marijuana.
21 Tickets for Pot on the Shelf
Since the official legalization of the drug in 2018, let’s just say the force has been a bit busy in our neighbor to the north. Based on data released by the province, Ontario police have been clocking in 21 tickets for marijuana-related offenses on a daily basis, and the most frequently occurring crime was the holding of pot inside the vehicle (1,047 out of 1,652 offenses). Jack Lloyd (a lawyer from Toronto) explains how holding a bag of dried flower in the front seat is enough to get you charged.
Why Focus on Marijuana?
In answer to this question, police are rampantly halting marijuana-related crimes mostly due to the fact that they have nothing else to target (at least for now). As Lloyd points out, with a recent crime drop, cops can focus their full attention on marijuana. In lieu of recent raids on pot-related activities, cops have also dispatched tickets for illegal sales (184 out of 224) and have punished landlords who own buildings where this activity has taken place (22 out of 24). Needless to say, if these people started contradicting the tickets, the influx of complaints could very well overwhelm the court system.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Marijuana is a tricky little drug with a less than reputable backstory. Although it might not be a life-threatening substance, this herb can still wreak havoc on your brain and emotions, particularly if you are under the age of 30. Always remember, though, drugs do not control your life. Only you can determine your future. If you are trying to beat marijuana abuse or have a friend or family member who is coping with this terrible problem, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.