Call for Common Sense in Medicinal Cannabis Reform

The NSW Government should expedite reforms to treat medicinal cannabis the same way as any other medicine for motorists. Thousands of workers across NSW who are legally prescribed medicinal cannabis must currently choose between taking their medication as prescribed by their doctor, or keeping their driver's licence and their job. In its response to the Drug Summit, the NSW Government has today committed to "investigating a medical defence for people using medically prescribed cannabis who are driving: by considering the recommendations due to be provided by an expert working group which is assessing the evidence, reform options, safeguards and whole of government implementation considerations." Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said the solution was more straightforward – amend the Road Transport Act to treat medicinal cannabis like any other prescription medication. "We should focus on impairment, not presence," Morey said. "Police are already highly trained to detect impaired drivers. If someone is driving while impaired by any substance, they should be off the road. But unimpaired patients following their doctor's orders shouldn't face court summons or potentially lose their livelihoods. "Workers and their families can't wait for another expert working group while they're forced to choose between managing their medical conditions and paying their bills. The solution to this problem is straightforward."