THE Minns Labor Government will introduce laws to Parliament aimed at creating a more \u201ccommonsense\u201d approach for people using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis, while maintaining strong road safety protections.<\/p>\n
Under the reforms, drivers using prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC will no longer be automatically penalised under existing drug presence offence laws in certain circumstances.<\/p>\n
The Government says the changes will be implemented cautiously, with strong safeguards and road safety measures built into every stage of the new system.<\/p>\n
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said the reforms represented a significant policy shift that would prioritise both fairness and road safety.<\/p>\n
“This is a significant reform for NSW, but it\u2019s one we are approaching carefully and with road safety at the centre of every decision,” he said.<\/p>\n
“For thousands of people, medically prescribed cannabis is life-changing medication that is necessary for people to go about their daily lives.”<\/p>\n
“Our current laws enable people to safely and legally drive while taking a wide range of prescription medications but that doesn\u2019t include cannabis prescribed by a medical practitioner.”<\/p>\n
Minns said the legislation aimed to better align the law with modern medical practice while preserving community safety.<\/p>\n
“These changes strike a careful balance of providing a more practical approach for medicinal cannabis users while maintaining strong road safety protections for the community.”<\/p>\n
According to NSW Government, there are around one million medicinal cannabis users in Australia, with up to a third (over 300,000) estimated in NSW, a figure that continues to grow.<\/p>\n
Officials say many patients rely on these prescriptions to work, care for family members and manage daily life.<\/p>\n
The proposed changes recognise that reality while ensuring anyone driving impaired by drugs or alcohol continues to face serious consequences.<\/p>\n
To access the new system, drivers will need to register as medicinal cannabis users with Transport for NSW, provide proof of a valid prescription, and complete an online education program on cannabis and road safety.<\/p>\n
The changes will apply only to NSW drivers on unrestricted licences, excluding L and P plate drivers as well as commercial drivers.<\/p>\n
The Government will introduce a three-strike model for registered medicinal cannabis users, acknowledging that some drivers may return positive THC results despite lawful and responsible use.<\/p>\n
Drivers will still be subject to roadside drug testing and, if a positive result is recorded, they will receive an immediate 24-hour driving ban while a sample is sent for laboratory analysis.<\/p>\n
If laboratory testing shows THC is below the maximum threshold, there will be no charge or further action.<\/p>\n
If THC is at or above the threshold, drivers will receive a warning letter for a first or second detection within two years, allowing drivers time to adjust dosage or driving behaviour.<\/p>\n
A third detection above the threshold within two years will result in penalties including a $704 fine and a minimum three-month licence suspension.<\/p>\n
Where alcohol or multiple illicit drugs are detected, or where substances other than THC are present, drivers will face existing drug driving offences.<\/p>\n
Registered users will also remain subject to post-crash blood and urine testing following serious collisions and will continue to face serious charges if found to be driving while impaired.<\/p>\n
The new system will be reviewed after a year of implementation, falling in line with the recommendations from the Drug Summit.<\/p>\n
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the reforms would address a long-standing concern for medicinal cannabis patients.<\/p>\n
“For too long, people using prescribed medical cannabis have faced the risk of losing their licence despite following medical advice,” Saffin said.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re changing that with world-leading reforms that put fairness and evidence first.”<\/p>\n
She said the issue had been consistently raised by constituents over many years.<\/p>\n
“Locals have raised this with me for years and I have backed them on it,” she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Minns Labor Government will introduce laws to Parliament aimed at creating a more \u201ccommonsense\u201d approach for people using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis, while maintaining strong road safety protections. Under the reforms, drivers using prescribed medicinal cannabis containing THC will no longer be automatically penalised under existing drug presence offence laws in certain circumstances. The […]<\/p>\n