(The Canadian Press/ Marcio Jose Sanchez)

By Ronald Quaroni

Pot and Parks

Cannabis added to banned substances in provincial parks during May long weekend

May 16, 2019 | 12:34 PM

Gates will be open soon for campers to enjoy another season at provincial campgrounds.

“This is our opening weekend for our provincial park campgrounds, so it’s a pretty exciting time for us,” Larry Schiefner, with the Ministry of Parks Culture and Sport, said. “This year we’re encouraging campers to get out to the parks early, to make the most of the 2019 season.”

Marijuana legalization has led to some new rules being implemented. Along with alcohol, cannabis has been added to the banned substances for the May-long-weekend.

Since 2006 Saskatchewan provincial parks have banned alcohol during the opening camping weekend.

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“Mostly due to concerns about disturbance and vandalism,” Schiefner told paNOW.

In the rules and regulations of the legalization of cannabis, it’s outlined that “Cannabis is allowed on campsites, except when the minister responsible issues an order prohibiting it. This is similar to prohibitions on alcohol in campgrounds during the May long weekend. You may only have cannabis within the individual campsite.”

Schiefner said he hopes park users will be respectful of the ban.

“Enforcement officers, conservation officers, and seasonal conservation officers will be patrolling the campground regularly during the May-long-weekend,” Schiefner said. “If people are violating the bans, they could have their alcohol or cannabis seized. They could face charges or eviction from the park.”

Schiefner added the bans are in place for enjoyment of all and the restrictions have led more families to visit the parks earlier in the season. He said he hopes campers will take advantage of the nice weather expected over the next couple of days to visit their local park.

Schiefner said the ban on cannabis and alcohol will be removed after the weekend.

-With files from battlefordsNOW reporter Brady Lang.

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ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni