Drug-driving rules review to investigate whether medicinal cannabis should be permitted

The state government will investigate whether medicinal cannabis users should be allowed to drive on Queensland roads after an increase in drug driving offences. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The state government will investigate whether medicinal cannabis users should be allowed to drive on Queensland roads under a wide-ranging review of the state’s drug driving rules.

It is currently illegal for anyone in Queensland to drive with any trace of THC – which can be found in medicinal cannabis products – regardless of whether it was prescribed or taken illegally.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed they will now look at medicinal cannabis as part of a review that has been launched following an increase in drug driving offences.

TMR’s general manager for land transport, safety and regulation, Andrew Mahon, said the government was “acutely aware” of the challenges faced by those who wanted to use medicinal cannabis and continue to drive.

“However, cannabis and other drugs continue to be prohibited while driving,” he said.

“Medicinal cannabis and the issues presented, such as impacts on enforcement through roadside drug testing and those wanting to continue to drive will be investigated as part of this review.”

Mr Mahon said the use of medicinal cannabis and driving was a growing area of concern for road safety, but also a “very complex and difficult one to solve”.

He said Queensland’s current approach to medicinal cannabis was due to THC being a psychoactive substance that can impair cognitive and motor function – increasing the risk of crashes.

The review of the state’s approach to tackling drug driving will look at illegal drugs as well.

A TMR spokesman said the state’s road safety action plan called for a package of drug driving reforms based on best practice, contemporary research evidence, and stakeholder consultation.

“The review is in response to the growing number of drug driving offences being detected on Queensland’s roads and an increase in crashes resulting in serious injuries and lives lost,” he said.

“Included in the scope of this program is a review of current approaches to deter offending through enforcement and offender management.”

The review is expected to be done by the end of next year. The Greens have previously called on the government to allow medicinal cannabis users to drive on Queensland roads.

In Tasmania, driving with a detectable amount of THC is an offence – unless the product was obtained and administered in accordance with the state’s Poisons Act.