For thousands of people living with chronic pain, cancer, PTSD or anxiety, medicinal cannabis has been life-changing. But while more and more people turn to this legal and effective medicine, our driving laws have not kept up.
Medicinal cannabis products often contain THC, which can be picked up by saliva tests many hours or even days after use, long after any effects have worn off. In NSW, drivers are being charged and losing their licence for trace amounts in their system, even when they’re unimpaired and using their medication as directed by their doctor.
People are faced with an impossible choice: take a legally prescribed medicine to treat a painful condition or risk losing their ability to drive to work, drop their kids to school and participate in daily life.
It’s unfair and discriminatory.
The NSW Drug Summit Report has recommended reform, while other countries like the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Ireland, and Norway already provide a medicinal defence for drivers who are unimpaired and using cannabis legally.
No more excuses Premier Chris Minns. Change the law so medicinal cannabis patients can safely drive!