La Ronge RCMP ready as cannabis becomes legal across Canada
After nearly a century of prohibition, the sale, consumption and possession of marijuana was legalized at midnight, making Canada the second nation in the world to do so.
While the change will usher in new business opportunities, as well as different challenges acoss the country, La Ronge RCMP Staff Sgt. Kyle Watson said residents shouldn’t expect to see many differences in the way officers do their work. He believes when Aura Cannabis opens a dispensary in town, it will cutback on the number of incidents of people selling marijuana out of their homes.
“Will it change our operation? I don’t think so,” Watson said. “The only thing that may change is the way it’s enforced and where our focus is. I don’t think we’ll see an increase in call volume. I don’t believe our policing strategy is going to change all that much either.”
Canadians are now allowed to possess and carry up to 30 grams of cannabis, be permitted to grow up to four plants, as well as purchase it from privatized storefronts and online. In Saskatchewan, 19 is the minimum age of consumption and marijuana can only be used in private residences and camping sites. Those under the influence of cannabis can also be charged with impaired driving, which Watson noted officers at the detachment are trained in roadside testing.