Display Your Zero-Tolerance
Receive two free ‘Zero-Tolerance’ labels for free, while supplies last!
Published: Thursday, March 21, 2019
Michigan boaters may not be aware of the potential trouble on the water in regards to the recent legalization of marijuana. There are a growing number of states where cannabis is legal, giving many boaters the entirely false impression they can legally bring the substance aboard a boat or vessel. Possession of marijuana is a violation of federal law, and will be enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol.
The U.S. Coast Guard or Border Patrol do not require a warrant or reasonable suspicion to board your boat. Operating a boat or any vessel under the influence of any intoxicant (including marijuana) is illegal, and both the U.S. Coast Guard and Border Patrol can perform sobriety tests to determine legal impairment. If found to be under the influence, the fines and legal fees can be very high, no pun intended.
It may be more difficult for captains/guests to be aware of marijuana presence on board, especially because it is available in many different forms. The old fashioned way of rolling it and smoking it, or using a vape pen is much more obvious. Edible products infused with marijuana or the plant oils can be disguised as cookies or cakes, gummy bears, even chocolate bars. In addition, marijuana oils can also be added to all kinds of consumable liquids such as sodas, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
The best advice is to make sure everyone - from the captain to all guests - are aware that you have a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis onboard while boating in federal jurisdiction waters.
Boaters Locker has designed a warning label to display, making sure all of your guests are aware of your boat/vessel’s policy.
Visit www.BoatersLocker.com to receive two (2) free “Zero-Tolerance” Warning labels, while supplies last.
Stay safe and, as always, have fun!
This article first appeared in the Spring Issue (Mar/Apr) 2019 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Law & Politics, safety
