A new law in Oklahoma mandates that drivers must keep medical marijuana products sealed and out of reach while operating a vehicle, or risk facing an open container charge. This regulation, which took effect recently, emphasizes the responsibility of the driver regarding the transport of these products.
Under the legislation, authored by Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), unsealed medical marijuana products are prohibited in the front seat of a vehicle. Furthermore, the law explicitly states that passengers cannot consume marijuana products while the vehicle is in motion.
According to Aaron Brilbeck of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, many individuals mistakenly view their medical marijuana card as a means to evade legal repercussions. “They hand us their driver’s license and their medical marijuana card, like it’s some kind of get out of jail free card,” Brilbeck explained. He noted that this new law sends a clear message: smoking marijuana while in a vehicle is not allowed.
Drivers are now required to store medical marijuana products either in the back seat or in the trunk. “What this is about is just being reasonable, and we don’t want impaired drivers on the road,” Senator Weaver stated.
Brilbeck further advised drivers to keep the product in its original packaging. “The package that you purchased it in is the package that it needs to remain, and that package needs to be sealed,” he added. This simple measure can help ensure compliance with the new law.
In addition to potential fines for violations of this new regulation, there is an extra fee of $250 that will be directed to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund. This fund aims to support trauma care services across the state, highlighting the multifaceted approach of this legislation.
As Oklahoma continues to navigate the complexities of medical marijuana legislation, this law reinforces the importance of responsible use and transportation of these products to ensure safety on the roads.
