A new law in Oklahoma now mandates that drivers must keep medical marijuana products sealed and out of reach while on the road. This legislation, which took effect recently, introduces penalties for what is classified as an “open container” violation concerning medical marijuana.
The bill’s author, Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), emphasized that the responsibility lies with the driver. “The way the bill is written is that really, it’s the driver’s responsibility,” he stated. Under the new regulations, unsealed medical marijuana products are prohibited from being transported in the front seat of a vehicle. Additionally, the law forbids passengers from consuming marijuana products inside the vehicle.
Officials from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office have noted a concerning trend among drivers. Aaron Brilbeck, a representative of the Sheriff’s Office, remarked, “They hand us their driver’s license and their medical marijuana card, like it’s some kind of get out of jail free card.” He added that the law aims to clarify that consumption of marijuana while driving is strictly prohibited.
The law requires that drivers store medical marijuana products either in the back seat or the trunk of the vehicle. “What this is about is just being reasonable, and we don’t want impaired drivers on the road,” Senator Weaver explained.
Brilbeck also provided guidance for drivers following their medical marijuana purchases. “The package that you purchased it in is the package that it needs to remain, and that package needs to be sealed,” he said. This serves as a crucial reminder for lawful transportation practices to avoid penalties.
In addition to any fines imposed for violations, offenders will incur an additional fee of $250 that will be directed to Oklahoma’s Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund. This fee underscores the state’s commitment to addressing issues related to impaired driving and ensuring public safety.
As these regulations take effect, drivers are urged to remain informed and cautious while transporting medical marijuana products, keeping in mind the new legal requirements aimed at promoting road safety.
