RNC preparing for 'cultural shift' of marijuna legalization

With roughly three weeks until recreational cannabis islegalized across Canada, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is ready to adjust enforcement and the "cultural shift" they expect Oct. 17.

Not much will change for police in terms of traffic stops and impaired drivers, Const. KarenDidham, a drug recognition evaluator with theRNC, told CBC's On the Go.

"We have always been conducting roadside testing. We've been doing drug recognition evaluations to determine if somebody is impaired by alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, cannabis and other intoxicating substances,"

Didhamsaid field sobriety tests will continue in the same form as they always have, but a saliva test, or oral fluid test,has just been approved across Canada, whichthe RNCwill begin training within October.

"We've set up a procurement process to purchase them," Didhamsaid.

"Part of the components of the training is to see if this is the device that is best suited for us in Newfoundland. Certainly we have to be financially responsible when you're going out and purchasing devices."

The RNCwill then weigh their options, and explore other devices, if necessary, to avoid wasting money.

According to Didham, however, the RNC's greatest resource for deterringintoxicated driving is the general public.

"We have always encouraged public support and public involvement in calling the police for impaired drivers," she said.

Const. GeoffHigdon, the RNC'smedia relations officer, said legalized marijuana will be more of a "cultural shift,"

"It's no longer going to be something that's taboo to be doing, or having. It's going to be very much a common, social thing that I think we'll see," he said. "It's really all about doing it responsibly and making sure that you're doing it in appropriate places."

For example: you won't be able to walk down the street smoking it, butHigdonsaid police will simply forcepeople to butt out or toss their cannabis, much like they would get someone to pour out their beer for drinking in public.

With files from On The Go

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