Manitoba Public Insurance is warning drivers ahead of time about the hazards of drug driving.

"With the impending legalization of cannabis this summer, Manitoba Public Insurance and a number of road safety agencies are taking steps to raise awareness among drivers out there," says MPI spokesperson Brian Smiley. "Not only is alcohol not a good thing to be doing while driving, but also mixing cannabis with driving is hazardous."

He says myths abound, including the idea that marijuana doesn't affect a person's driving. Smiley explains cannabis does indeed affect driving as alcohol does, and if someone is pulled over there are potential legal implications.

Smiley says a drug awareness campaign was launched last fall, and they took it to another level today with an education program beginning in Winnipeg schools.