Qld to decide whether medicinal cannabis users should be able to drive

A review of laws in one Australian state will decide whether people who use medicinal cannabis can do this one thing.

Queensland is reviewing drug-driving laws. Picture: NSW Police

Queensland will soon decide whether medicinal cannabis users should be allowed to drive while under the influence as part of a widespread review of the state’s drug-driving rules.

The review is in response to the growing number of drug-driving offences and an increase in fatal crashes on Queensland’s roads.

Driving with THC in the system – the psychoactive substance in medicinal cannabis – is illegal in Queensland.

QLD is set to review drug driving laws. Picture: Supplied

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said the government was “acutely aware” of the challenges faced by those who wished to use the drug and keep their licence.

However, TMR general manager Andrew Mahon said the issue was a “very complex and difficult one to solve”.

The main concern is the cognitive and motor function impairment that can be caused by the psychoactive component of THC.

The drug-driving review should be complete by late 2023. Picture: Supplied

The review will consider different approaches to deter offending, including enforcement and offender management, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

It comes a month after NRL Immortal Andrew Johns revealed that medicinal cannabis “changed his life” after dealing with chronic pain during his retirement.

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 is obtained and administered in accordance with the state’s Poisons Act.