ACT medicinal cannabis driving bill stalled over safety concerns
A committee blocked a law to protect medicinal cannabis users. The law would have stopped drug-driving charges without proof they were impaired.
ACT Greens deputy Andrew Braddock wanted a change to road rules. Medicinal cannabis patients should follow the same rules as those on opioids.
They would face charges only if they drive impaired. They would not be penalised for just testing positive.
About 10,600 ACT patients use medicinal cannabis. Several medical bodies supported the idea.
Current rules stop people from taking this medication, they said. The committee voted no. It cited problems with how police test for impairment.
There is not enough evidence to support the change, it said. The committee wants the bill changed.
It should limit it to two TGA-registered products. It should exclude learner and provisional drivers.
It should allow the defence only if blood alcohol is zero. Braddock disagrees.
He argues that just having a lawful medicine should not be a crime.
- About 10,600
- ACT medicinal cannabis patients
- Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens deputy leader
- Bill sponsor
- Only ACT Government and NRMA
- Opposition support
- June 2024 to June 2026
- Inquiry period
Why it mattersMedicinal cannabis patients face unfair treatment under road laws. They are treated differently than those on other prescription drugs. Reform could help with this problem. But safety protections must come first.
AustraliaAffects how Canberra's 10,600 medicinal cannabis patients face driving laws; policy remains in limbo unless Braddock rewrites and resubmits.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 h ago
