The Chief of the Altona Police Service is reminding the public that marijuana is still illegal to possess, despite the Senate passing the Cannabis Act on Tuesday night.     

Altona Police Chief Perry Batchelor

While Bill C-45 is approved and on it's way to obtaining Royal Assent, it will only take effect in mid-October.

"Until it receives Royal Assent we'll continue to do our job and I'm sure law enforcement around Canada will continue to do their job," commented Perry Batchelor.

Batchelor also noted that marijuana impairs driving and he said Altona police officers will continue to look for drivers under the influence and keep area roads safe.

"Our police service is well-situated with officers trained in SFST (Standard Field Sobriety Testing)," he added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday afternoon that starting October 17, 2018 it will be legal to buy and use recreational marijuana in Canada.