New law fines Cali. drivers for consuming cannabis in vehicles

On Monday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill which prohibits the consumption of cannabis in a vehicle.

The measure was passed in anticipation of social cannabis sales in the state and will make it a violation of $70 if an individual is caught consuming cannabis while driving or riding in a vehicle. The measure was modeled after open container laws which prohibit drinking while driving.

When proposing the law, Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, cited a 2012 study by the state’s traffic safety office which found more weekend nighttime drivers in California tested positive for cannabis more than alcohol.

The governor also vetoed a bill which would have barred cannabis packaging which could appeal to children, such as edibles identical to candy. Brown said his administration is already drafting rules to deter children from cannabis.