A new law in Oklahoma mandates that drivers must keep medical marijuana products sealed and out of reach while in a vehicle. This legislation, which took effect recently, introduces penalties for failing to comply, including open container charges.
The bill, authored by Senator Darrell Weaver, emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the driver to ensure that unsealed medical marijuana products are not transported in the front seat. Additionally, passengers are prohibited from consuming marijuana products while the vehicle is in motion. “What this is about is just being reasonable, and we don’t want impaired drivers on the road,” Weaver stated.
According to Aaron Brilbeck from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the new law serves to establish clear expectations for drivers. He noted that individuals often present their driver’s licenses and medical marijuana cards as if they provide an exemption from the law. “This sends a clear message that you can’t have anybody smoking in your vehicle,” Brilbeck explained.
Drivers are required to store medical marijuana products either in the back seat or trunk of their vehicles. Brilbeck advised that the packaging purchased with the medical marijuana needs to remain sealed during transport. “The package that you purchased it in is the package that it needs to remain, and that package needs to be sealed,” he added.
The penalties for violating this law can include fines, along with an additional fee of $250 that contributes to the Oklahoma’s Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund. This fee is intended to support trauma care services across the state.
As this legislation comes into effect, both law enforcement and lawmakers anticipate a reduction in impaired driving incidents linked to marijuana use. The law aims to promote road safety while balancing the rights of medical marijuana users.
