Cannabis plants grow inside of Thrive Cannabis’s production facility in Simcoe, Ont., Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tara Walton)
Ahead of 4/20, a CAA Manitoba survey reveals nearly 1 in 5 drivers in the province have driven after consuming cannabis.
The survey found that 18 percent of Manitoba drivers admitted to driving after using cannabis in 2024, with more than half doing so within three hours of consumption. Nearly 80 percent said they felt confident driving while high, even though over a third reported actually feeling impaired.
Despite 93 percent acknowledging cannabis-impaired driving is a serious issue, many still underestimate the risks, especially with edibles, which can have delayed effects.
“People still seem to believe that they have no alternative but to drive home or that the drive is short enough that it doesn’t matter,” said Ewald Friesen, manager, government relations, CAA Manitoba.
“We are here to remind Manitobans that while cannabis use is legal and can be safely consumed, you should never do it before driving.”
CAA is reminding motorists to plan ahead and avoid driving impaired. Penalties include fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible criminal charges.
