CHP discusses Arizona regulations after Prop 64 passes in California

Proposition 64, which issues the legalization of recreational marijuana, was approved in California on November 8th.

While Arizona rejected the same proposal through Proposition 205, California Highway Patrol officials are discussing strategies they plan to take on as they patrol the bordering regions of both states.

CHP officer Jeff Knutson said he has yet to see issues with people attempting to cross into the state with marijuana.

He also said because both California and Arizona abide by the law that prohibits driving under the influence, those suspected of having the drug will be stopped and investigated immediately.

“Our concern right now is the safety of the motoring public and that means we are going to be out there looking for people driving under the influence of marijuana,” Knutson said.

“We are going to be looking for violations of the vehicle code. If there is that smell of marijuana we are going to do a D-U-I investigation.”

Knutson said the CHP base in Winterhaven has yet to see a case of someone questioned for the use or possession of marijuana.

“It may possibly be an issue with residents from out of state coming into California to purchase marijuana,” Knutson said. “But as far as I know there is nowhere in the Winterhaven area as of yet to purchase marijuana or smoke the marijuana,” Knutson said.