Winnipeg police launch new program focused on drug-impaired driving

The Winnipeg Police Service's new campaign slogan to curb cannabis-impaired driving offences in Winnipeg. Uploaded Jan . 14, 2024. (Ken Gabel/CTV News Winnipeg)

The Winnipeg Police Service is working to tackle drug-impaired driving with a new project starting in 2025.

Police launched the #DontDriveHigh campaign Tuesday – a focus on drivers under the influence of cannabis and other drugs.

There is also an educational aspect to this program, helping people understand how cannabis in its multiple forms can affect someone.

During a similar project at the beginning of 2024, police said there were 243 traffic stops. Of those, 143 people were tested, and 64 came back positive for cannabis. Another 36 notices were handed out for improper storage of cannabis in a vehicle and passengers using weed inside the car.

“This behaviour has the potential to lead to tragic outcomes, compromising the safety of all users of our roadways. We have taken notice and are taking action,” police said in a release.

Winnipeg police said driving while impaired by cannabis ranks second behind alcohol for most offences.

While there is a focus on enforcement, police are also hoping to educate the public on the impacts of edible cannabis products.

“Ingested cannabis is processed much slower than inhaled cannabis. The full effects of ingested cannabis can peak up to four hours after consumption and may linger for up to 12 hours. In contrast, the peak effects of inhaled cannabis occur within 30 minutes.”

Police said if people are eating any cannabis product, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle for at least 12 hours.

“Our hope is that by delivering education to the public, these conversations begin to happen at home, meaning young drivers receive this message from the time they are learning to drive.”

While impaired driving is a focus of the police year-round, Winnipeg police said this enhanced effort will run until March.