New bill proposes medicinal cannabis users be allowed to drive with low levels of THC in system
Victorians who have a prescription for medicinal cannabis could be allowed to drive a car with low levels of THC in their system if a new push is successful.
Victoria
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A new law could allow people taking medicinal cannabis to be able to drive a car while medicated in Victoria.
Currently, anyone taking cannabis for medical reasons cannot hit the roads at all, effectively rendering them unable to drive a car.
However, in a new push Reason Party Leader Fiona Patten has put forward a bill that people with a valid prescription will be able to drive a car with low levels of THC in their system.
“It is important to note that the average medicinal cannabis patient in Victoria is a 55yo woman,” Ms Patten said.
“We stigmatise medicinal cannabis in Victoria unfairly.
“The effect of this Bill is simple – to treat these medicines, prescribed by a doctor, in the same way as any other prescription medication under the Road Safety Act.”
The state government has a policy of not supporting Private Member’s Bills but appear to be supportive of the principle of the bill.
Upper House Labor MP Shaun Leane said “we are ready to work with her on this particular issue and find a way.”
It is understood following debate the bill will be adjourned off and reintroduced by the Andrews Government with some changes.
“We are going to work with Ms Patten to make sure people are not disadvantaged by taking medication,” he said.
However, it is not yet clear what levels of THC would be allowed before a driver is considered impaired or whether a Victoria Police will have any issues with the law.
Medicinal cannabis became legal in Victoria in 2015 to treat various medical conditions including cancer, seizures and epilepsy.
Liberal MP Georgie Crozier, however, told the chamber while welcoming the principle “the ability to test for THC is very difficult” making it risky at this time.
There are currently 4000 medicinal cannabis users in Victoria.
The government has flagged a special Implementation Group will he set up and overseen by Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll.
The group will report back by December 18
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