Officers smell marijuana coming from vehicle on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa, stop driver: OPP

A driver is facing a $215 fine after being stopped on Highway 417 in Ottawa and admitting to smoking marijuana before hitting the road Thursday. (OPP/ X)

A driver is facing a $215 fine after being stopped on Highway 417 in Ottawa and admitting to smoking before hitting the road Thursday, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Police say the driver was stopped after officers smelled marijuana coming from his vehicle on the highway.

“The driver admitted to smoking earlier and surrendered his remaining marijuana to officers,” the OPP said in a post on X.

In Ontario, drivers who are impaired by any drug or alcohol can face serious penalties, including an immediate licence suspension, financial penalties, possible vehicle impoundment, possible criminal record, and possible jail time.

Impairment from cannabis is almost immediate and can last up to six hours or more. Police say there is no way to know exactly how long to wait before it’s safe to drive after consuming the substance.

“The best way to avoid impaired driving is to not take a chance,” reads the government’s website.