Only time will tell how the end of cannabis prohibition will pan out for communities throughout Canada, said the Sundre RCMP detachment’s new commander.
“It’ll be interesting to see what happens,” said Sgt. Jody Achtymichuk.
However, the sergeant said he does not personally harbour serious concerns, and that police remain committed to keeping the roads safe by removing impaired motorists.
“We’re going to enforce what we have to enforce,” he said.
“We have a job to do.”
Although the officer makes a point of keeping separate his personal opinion from his professional responsibilities, Achtymichuk nevertheless expressed cautious optimism about the government’s goal to reduce public harm by properly regulating the industry rather than leaving the trade in the hands of producers who are sometimes known to lace their product with more dangerous substances that consumers might not even be aware of.
“The government obviously feels that it’ll be better controlled and safer by having regulated production facilities and dispensaries. From that point of view, I think it’s going to be better. At least people will know what they’re buying,” he said.
While there are mixed views — both good and bad — when considering the alleged health benefits or impacts of cannabis consumption, the sergeant said a properly regulated process should reduce health problems caused by the unregulated black market.
In this day and age, he said there is no shortage of potentially deadly or highly addictive drugs out there that are being laced into cannabis, among other substances.
“The biggest thing is at least people will have the peace of mind of knowing the product will be safe,” he said about the legalized recreational cannabis market.
On that note, Achtymichuk said he hopes cannabis consumers will, for the sake of their own health and safety, purchase the product from lawful businesses.
Additionally, new streams of tax revenue for the government also represent a positive aspect of the new law, although the sergeant was not certain how those funds will be redistributed.
And even though everyone reacts differently to substances, the sergeant said that in his experience, violence is not typically associated with the consumption of cannabis alone.
As Canada enters uncharted waters, he said there is the distinct possibility that some people who had previously never consumed cannabis might decide to try and later end up behind the wheel.
But impaired driving has been and remains a major priority for police throughout the country. So the sergeant implores people to be conscious of their decisions.
“Be responsible, be aware of the impacts, and use it responsibly now that it’s going to be legal,” he said, urging people to keep a watchful eye out for their friends.
“Help your friends out if they’re making a decision to drive” under the influence, he said.
“You need to stop them.”
Educating the public — the sooner the better — is going to be a big step for the government, he said. Young people should also be reminded that there is nothing wrong with saying "no" to peer pressure, regardless of whether it’s related to alcohol, cannabis or any other drug, he said.
“People still should be friends if somebody stops somebody from drinking and driving, or driving while they’re under the influence,” he said.
“That just shows they’re a good friend — the next day, you better say, ‘Thanks for not letting me drive!’”
People make mistakes when they’re impaired, so looking after one another to ensure everyone makes the right choice is important, he said.
“Our big priority is keeping everybody safe. That’s what our goal is.”
