The New South Wales Government has proposed a policy change that would see medicinal cannabis users no longer penalised for driving with small amounts of the drug in their system. The reform would address a long-standing concern among patients who rely on prescribed cannabis products.
Under current laws, drivers in NSW can be penalised if any trace of cannabis is detected in their system, regardless of whether it was prescribed by a doctor. This has created a difficult situation for patients who must choose between their medication and their ability to drive.
The proposal would bring NSW in line with growing calls for reform across Australia. Advocates have long argued that current drug-driving laws unfairly punish patients using legally prescribed medications.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016, but drug-driving laws have not kept pace with the changing regulatory landscape. Thousands of Australians now hold prescriptions for cannabis-based products for conditions ranging from chronic pain to epilepsy.
The proposed change would likely involve setting a threshold for the amount of cannabis that can be detected in a driver's system, similar to the approach used for alcohol. This would allow patients to drive safely while still using their prescribed medication.
Law enforcement groups have expressed concerns about road safety implications, arguing that any amount of cannabis can impair driving ability. The government says it will consult with medical experts and road safety organisations before finalising the policy.
The reform is expected to be welcomed by patient advocacy groups who have campaigned for years to remove what they describe as an unjust penalty on people following legitimate medical advice from their doctors.