Police forces welcome delay in pot rules implementation as they prep for legal weed
TORONTO — Law enforcement agencies are welcoming a delay in the implementation of the country’s new cannabis rules, saying they’re ramping up officer training, working on public education initiatives and hoping to beef up roadside screening efforts by the fall.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canadians would be able to start legally purchasing and consuming recreational pot on Oct. 17, a month later than previously indicated.
Various police forces say they’ll be using the next few months figuring out how to best navigate the new legal landscape.
“The extra time allows us just a bit of breathing room to get all our members, both sworn and civilian, trained on how the new legislation is going to impact us,” said Calgary Police Insp. Kevin Forsen, who chairs a committee co-ordinating the force’s training and response to cannabis and other opiates.