Skunk in the trunk: Edmonton city police school drivers on cannabis transport

Cannabis users in Edmonton buying the drug at stores are being hit with tickets for transporting the dope illegally, say city police.

“We’re finding that many citizens are doing everything legally, going to the licensed retail store to buy their cannabis, but then they’re driving home with their purchase on their back seat,” said Const. Dexx Williams, cannabis compliance officer.

“We don’t want to lay charges or give tickets to people who are trying to follow the laws, but we have to take violations involving cannabis in vehicles very seriously.”

Between October 17, 2018, and May 31, 2019, 61 per cent — or 149 of 245 of charges — Edmonton city police laid under the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, were for improper transport. A ticket is $115.

Officers on Tuesday launched a public education campaign — using the catchphrase ‘Put your skunk in the trunk’ — to address confusion around cannabis laws. Police note that section 90.25 (1) of the provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, states: “No person may transport cannabis in a vehicle unless the cannabis is contained in closed packaging that is out of reach of the driver and any other occupants of the vehicle.

The best way to transport cannabis is in a sealed package, in a spot out of reach of everyone in the vehicle, such as the trunk or back of a van or SUV, under a rear seat, or locked in a glove box.