NSW Parliament's Landmark Medicinal Cannabis Driving Reform

CCA Welcomes NSW Parliament's Landmark Medicinal Cannabis Driving Reform.

‍

Once in effect, registered medicinal cannabis patients holding a valid prescription and a current, unrestricted NSW driver licence will be subject to a registration and education framework through Transport for NSW. If THC presence is detected in a roadside test, a registered medicinal cannabis patient will not be charged with an offence as long as any detection of THC remains below a defined threshold and no other substances are present.

‍

This is a reasonable reform measure that recognises medicinal cannabis as a legitimate form of healthcare while not compromising road safety.

‍

CCA congratulates the Minns Government on this landmark reform. For patients managing complex, chronic conditions, the ability to drive is not a matter of convenience, it’s independence, employment, community and family participation, while retaining access to healthcare they rely on.

‍

CCA is proud to have contributed to this outcome, having advocated for this reform through the 2024 NSW Drug Summit, meetings with parliamentarians, and direct engagement with Transport for NSW.

‍

An important note to remember is that this reform is not yet in effect. The Bill now proceeds to Governor's Assent, then commencement by proclamation (expected within six months). Until then, it remains an offence to drive with any detectable THC in your system.

‍

The legislation also includes a statutory review approximately 12 months after commencement to assess how the reform is working in practice.

‍