A significant change in Oklahoma's marijuana laws took effect on November 1, introducing stricter regulations that treat cannabis consumption in vehicles similarly to alcohol. The updated laws aim to eliminate enforcement challenges and enhance road safety, with law enforcement empowered to hold drivers accountable for any marijuana use occurring inside their vehicles.
Under the new rules, both drivers and passengers are prohibited from using marijuana while inside a vehicle. This applies universally, regardless of whether the individual in question holds a medical marijuana card. "Just because you have a marijuana card does not give you the ability to, quote unquote, treat yourself as you’re driving down the road, because you’re under the influence", said Lt. Mark Southall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The law introduces several key provisions designed to promote compliance. First, drivers are now responsible for ensuring that marijuana is not consumed by themselves or any passenger inside their vehicle. Lt. Southall explained, "Even though they may not be actively smoking a joint in their hand, if marijuana is being smoked in the vehicle, they could be arrested. So, it is their responsibility to make sure that that is not happening."
Additionally, marijuana products must be stored in sealed containers and kept out of reach of the driver to avoid penalties under the new "open container" rules. Lt. Southall clarified, "Cannabis can’t be inside the vehicle without being sealed or out of reach of the driver."
The push for stricter marijuana consumption laws in vehicles comes amid heightened concerns about impaired driving. In 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a safety alert following its investigation into a 2022 collision in Tishomingo that claimed the lives of six teenagers. The report revealed that the 16-year-old driver had likely been impaired by marijuana use, leading to the fatal crash.
"These are arrestable. We want people to take this seriously. And luckily the legislature is behind us on this, with more teeth to this law, to where we can enforce it. And people can really start to take it seriously", said Lt. Southall.
The new law underscores Oklahoma's commitment to addressing marijuana-related road risks and ensuring public safety. By aligning cannabis regulations with those governing alcohol consumption, the state aims to set a precedent for responsible behavior on the road.