Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 59 What are the signs of cannabis impairment? Cannabis intoxication may have both physical and behavioural signs. Physical signs: • eyes are red, watery or glassy; • smell; • dry mouth or shallow breathing; or • rapid heart rate. Behaviour signs of cannabis intoxication: • delayed reaction time; • paranoia; • unfocused stares; • poor coordination; or • impaired judgement. A person under the influence of cannabis may have both physical and behavioural signs of intoxication. How long should you wait to drive after cannabis use? It is hard to say exactly how long someone should wait after cannabis use before they drive. Everyone is different and the rate of dissipation can be affected by many things, such as how much was consumed and the potency of the cannabis. Experts suggest waiting a minimum of four to six hours after cannabis use before driving. But that is the minimum, and everyone needs to understand there are a number of situations and scenarios that would require a longer wait time. New users, for example – people who aren’t used to consuming cannabis should wait longer. Users who have consumed a lot should wait longer. And certainly anyone who has combined cannabis with other drugs and/or alcohol should wait longer.We can’t emphasize enough that there are many factors involved. If you don’t feel right – if you don’t feel sober – don’t drive. The safest option is to separate cannabis use from driving entirely. MADD Canada’s recommendation is the same as it is with alcohol – if you know you’re going to be consuming, don’t drive. Plan ahead for a sober ride home – take an Uber, a cab, a designated driver or public transportation. Driving impaired – whether it’s by cannabis, alcohol, or other drugs – is just not worth the risk. What are the new laws and penalties for driving under the influence of drugs? Bill C-46, passed in June 2018, established new federal laws and penalties around driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs.Three new offences have been created in the Criminal Code of Canada: • Driving with 2 nanograms (ng) but less than 5 ng of THC per millilitre (ml) of blood. • Driving with 5 ng or more of THC per ml of blood. • Driving with a combination of 50 milligrams (mg) of alcohol (or more) plus 2.5 ng or more of THC per 1 ml of blood. Along with THC, these offences apply for any detectable levels of other impairing drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ketamine and others. Does cannabis affect driving ability? (continued) (continued) www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/car">Car photo created by welcomia
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