A Hunter medicinal cannabis advocate has welcomed proposed changes to NSW driving laws, saying they are long overdue.
The state government announced this week it would introduce legislation aimed at creating a “commonsense approach” for drivers who legally use prescribed medicinal cannabis.
Legalise Cannabis Party Hunter candidate Andrew Fenwick said the reforms were a positive step for thousands of patients.
“We support it because this is something we’ve been pushing for a few years now,” he explained.
“When cannabis was legalised as a medicine, addressing the driving laws should have been the next step.”
The proposed changes would allow registered users to avoid penalties in certain circumstances if they test positive for THC.
Drivers would still be subject to roadside drug testing and immediate 24-hour driving bans, while samples are sent for laboratory analysis.
Mr Fenwick said the current laws unfairly target people using medication prescribed by a doctor.
“There’s no other prescription medicine that gets this treatment,” he stated.
“People have had to choose between taking their medicine and being able to drive, work and live their lives.”
Under the reforms, eligible drivers would need to register with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), provide evidence of a prescription and complete an online education course.
The government will also introduce a three-strike system.
Registered users who exceed a THC threshold would receive warning letters for a first and second offence before penalties apply on a third detection.
Mr Fenwick said he remained concerned about some parts of the proposal.
“You can test positive with no signs of impairment and still lose your ability to drive for 24 hours,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“If you’re on your way to work, you’re still left finding another way home.”
Premier Chris Minns said the changes would balance patient needs with road safety.
“For thousands of people, medically prescribed cannabis is life-changing medication that is necessary for people to go about their daily lives,” he added.
“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.”
The Commonwealth estimates more than 300,000 people use medicinal cannabis across the state.
Mr Fenwick said education would be critical if the reforms pass Parliament.
“It’s really important people understand what they need to do to access these protections,” he said.
Despite his concerns, he said the changes should move ahead.
“It’s a good step in the right direction,” Mr Fenwick summed up.
“There are parts that can be improved, but we don’t want to hold up reform.”
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