Major change to cannabis laws for millions of Australians
Victorian medical cannabis users will no longer automatically lose their driver’s license if they are caught driving with traces of the drug in their system.
Instead, magistrates have been given the power to impose discretionary sentences on drivers who test positive for the cannabinoid chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), if they are in possession of a valid prescription for medicinal cannabis and have no restrictions while driving.
It is a boon for those who use the drug in the treatment of cancer, multiple sclerosis and other medical conditions.
Cannabis has been a prescription drug in Australia since 2016.
The change comes after Legalize Cannabis Victoria secured an amendment in the Senate on Thursday evening.
Legalize cannabis MP David Ettershank congratulated the government for supporting the change, which comes into effect on March 1.
“Roadside saliva tests can detect small traces of THC more than a week after consumption, but these tiny residues have negligible impact on driving ability,” Ettershank said Friday.
‘Under the old law, the mere presence of this residual chemical meant a mandatory loss of driver’s license for six months and a large fine, but the driver had only taken his medication as prescribed by his doctor.
Victorian medical cannabis users will no longer automatically lose their driver’s license if they are caught driving with traces of the drug in their system (photo stock image)
He said the change meant that a user who has taken their medication as prescribed can appear before a magistrate, explain their circumstance and the magistrate can allow them to keep their licence.
Despite the change, it is still an offense to drive with THC in your system. The only change is that magistrates have been given discretionary powers.
The change in legislation comes after Legalize Cannabis Victoria approved an amendment in the Senate on Thursday evening (image in photo)