Police Concerned With Pot Dispensaries

PALM SPRINGS – Cannahelp is one of two city-approved medical marijuana dispensaries preparing to open in the city.

Police are also preparing in case more people start driving high on pot.

“Each officer has been trained in the detection and investigation of DUI’s and they’re being encouraged to do that 24 hours a day,” says Officer Melissa Desmarais, with Palm Springs Police Department.

So far, officers haven’t noticed more people driving high.

Either way it won’t change the way the department handles DUI’s.

Officers have had years of experience dealing with medical marijuana cards during traffic stops.

Johnny Hedges and his roommate both use medical marijuana.

He knows to carry the card at all times.

“Before I was nervous just going to the store to get it for my HIV thing. Now I don’t worry so much,” says Hedges.

Medical marijuana users can legally have 8 ounces in their car.

But police say you better have your card on you when your pulled over.

“At this point it’s gonna be a zero tolerance thing if they have, if they do have a medical marijuana card on them and they’re able to present that, then that’s something they need to have with them,” says Desmarais

Police say valid users can also drive with pot in their system — just as long as it doesn’t impair their driving.

Officers warn driving high and driving drunk are both dangerous and could land you in jail.

“You are impaired on medical marijuana let’s face it, it’s a pain killer that’s the whole point,” says Hedges.

Cannahelp could open any day.

Until then, Hedges will keep driving back checking on the progress.

And police will be watching.