Calls For Changes To Medicinal Cannabis Driving Rules

Medicinal cannabis users are calling for changes to driving rules. Currently, medicinal cannabis users are not able to drive in most of Australia, meaning many have to choose between taking their medicine or risk losing their license.
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[@UberMick]

Very rare for the project to do a decent story, credit where credit is due, this was one of those rare good ones, keep it up!

[@Yeah_Nahhh]

Agreed!

[@dannylujan3619]

They should definitely stay away from politician s

[@Makyah]

Thanks for coming forward and telling it how it is, Scott. Here's hoping for change, mate.

[@infinite8382]

many people who use medical cannibus are in his position.

[@joshw3090]

Don't get it. I have the exact same stuff in the ACT and I'm aloud to fail road side tests? I

[@bearfootbowhunter3054]

Just heard it has been put forward to have this rectified in Qld

[@tayt_]

@@joshw3090 the fed gov making it legal doesn’t protect you from any state/territory laws where you live.

[@076don]

Thanks Scott I have a broken back, tested positive 7 times, been to court 6 times and I have lost my licence 5 times. I have even been wrongfully imprisoned as apart of the process for 17 hours including being strip searched. Just settled the civil case with police accepting liability and payed me $35,000 plus $24,000 for legal costs and accepted liability. I also was one of if not the person who made David resign. There is nothing random about testing as police profile drivers. Ironically I am 46 and have had 1 speeding fine and 1 fine for no seatbelt. These laws are not about road safety but deterrence and have had no impact on road safety. Also unless the THC isolate is removed CBD oil will contain trace amounts of THC and eventually you will consume enough to become detectable as unlike toxins our body holds onto and stores Cannabis for months on end.

[@nola504creole5]

Where the heck you live Australia?

[@DaRealMunch]

Yeah, nothing random about that police testing.

[@sean27972]

Nothing will change until we force the goverment to make the change. This includes in the workplace!

[@josephpiggott619]

It's absolutely ridiculous

[@TheBBQGamer]

Australia's drug driving laws are seriously flawed. That's why in New Zealand they haven't introduced roadside drug testing for cannabis yet as current methods don't test for impairment which would then become a human rights issue because people would be getting unfairly prosecuted. Says a lot about Australia if you ask me.

[@gunterstunter]

About time, it’s great that Australia is beginning to wake up to countless peer reviewed studies and health professionals petitioning for change. Let’s hope that Australia and the rest of the world substantially revise their drug laws in the next year to be based on data and logic rather than fear and hysteria.

[@toddviv]

yes but in victoria we have that fear and hysteria, we were the most locked down city in the world in the height of the pandemic and when it came time to legalising marijuana in the state of victoria, DA blocked it. He is against personal freedom and is a strong supporter of socialism, I'm not sure the labour government are going to assist us in this endeavour

[@toddviv]

@@rikardnewzealand7620 its up the individual, not some government body. Oh and by the way, there has been tonnes of research done. And its up to the individual to decide that's why we have a brain. Not for someone to be all over us telling us how to live.

watch pot vs pills from Dr Sanjay Gupta ! and all the other weed docu's from him

[@StealthyyyHD]

Can drive nodding off at the wheel on methadone but can't drive after a cone 🤣

[@shaynegadsden]

You can take oxy and morphine and be high as a kite and not have an issue with their tests

[@bleepbloopblahp]

I had someone crash into me and write off my car after nodding off on opiates.

[@StealthyyyHD]

@@bleepbloopblahp they should be drug tested and have their licence taken

[@rachs6229]

This desperately needs to be changed. People like us are faced with 3 options, none of which are good: 1. Opting for a less effective treatment option that may not help all our symptoms in order to be able to drive without legally any fear of roadside testing, but with it being a less effective treatment we're in a lot more pain than we could be otherwise 2. Opting for the recommended treatment with THC and either being dependent on others to drive us around (if we even have anyone for support) or becoming a hermit but in less pain (goodbye independence) 3. Risking it all, taking the THC treatment option and driving anyway despite the risks and fear just to have better quality of life and maintain our independence There really needs to be an exemption in place for those with prescriptions for medicinal cannabis. Why should we be penalised for using a legal, medically prescribed treatment in an attempt to gain our lives back from debilitating medical conditions? People should obviously use common sense and not drive if their senses are impaired, but thats the same with any medication. Not to mention the fact that THC can remain present in the body for up to 30 days, so with roadside tests simply testing the "presence" of THC in your body and not testing the levels or sobriety/impairment is absolutely ludicrous. Mere presence of THC doesn't indicate whether someone is driving under the influence.

[@Atlastheyote222]

Tasmania is the only state that, provided you have a prescription, will only check for impairment, not THC presence. I’m lucky to live here but if I ever have to move away, I’ll have to take that risk… it’s unfair and it NEEDS to change.

[@iamasmurf1122]

That’s not true In Tasmania if you look up on your government website just like every other part of the country you can not drive at all with THC in your system while being treated for medicinal cannabis

[@rodhutchinson468]

Thanks Scott, im in the same situation, at 59 yrs old the pain is outrageous without cannabis.

[@boop7313]

I really appreciate Cate Faerman MP tackling the impairment vs presence issue in Australia. And of course Scott and everyone else who helps bring this to light.

[@Ifsu666]

I’m also a patient, and I was 187kg and heavily on pain killers 3 years ago, I’m now 75kg and I have control again. It’s unfortunate that we are still here in 2022. Hope Scott can just do what he wants without the anxiety of getting pulled over.

[@petermilgate5080]

You're a legend Scott. You're paving the way for the rest of us to not have to deal with the same fears you're dealing with. And cudos to The Project/Hamish MacDonald for reporting on this because this is a major issue for a lot of Australians who are legally prescribed medicine that the police are still trying to criminalise. ♥️

[@ubonrat8653]

I've lived in two countries that have legalised cannabis, Australia is living in the dark ages

[@infinite8382]

australia is highly over regulated, we live in a nanny state, its beyond absurd.

[@karenillidge4835]

I’m so glad that this has been brought up, I use medical and I run the same risk every day. I don’t drink and never drive when I’m impaired.

[@droningwesternaustralia]

Great story. Maybe what we should be looking at doing is having a roadside mobile device that can measure the % of THC the same way as a roadside breath analysis unit shows a % of alcohol in your breath. Introduce THC driving laws the same as alcohol laws. With the same range of levels as alcohol laws, clear, low, medium and high ranges

[@Kettaa]

No because everyone’s tolerance to the drug varies person to person. It would not work properly, could state high % but person is not impaired persay

[@unstoppableExodia]

@@Kettaa yeah the police have started publicly in the nineties that finding an equivalent of 0.05 bac for cannabis that is fair and equitable is difficult..... and so at the behest of conservative law makers they opted for experience (zero tolerance) figuring “well if cannabis is illegal then just go for a blanket ban given that the law prohibits it in its entirety” of course that was over as decades before medical cannabis became legal (and was one of the reasons police opposed the n legalization of medicinal cannabis)

[@creatrixZBD]

It doesn’t work that way.

[@DrBootyPounda]

This is a necessary story! Hope it brings a needed change to the laws.

[@markvines7308]

The current laws make no sense. In South Australia personal consumption is not a crime, however, the next day when all effects and impairment have gone if you drive you are a criminal! Committing a misdemeanor offence one day becomes a crime the next!

[@Renno7]

Should be legal for recreational use as well..

[@moonwrusse5649]

I have a medical prescription that I don't use anymore due to losing my licence, and being threatened that I will be stopped every time a police vehicle recognises my licence plate as I will have been flagged "high risk". No traffic history until now.

[@josephpiggott619]

Farout man this sucks

[@phillipkennedy508]

the fear of being pinched for being able to function, on top of the PTSD, is NOT an option

[@hashmashrulz]

So the police set up a drug testing outside a known weed festival and they're calling it random? What a bloody joke...

[@worthamillion1069]

This is a fantastic story! I will be sure to support the medication where we can! Government needs to change the laws quickly ! I have cancer and i have to take the gamble driving to work!

[@johncorlett3699]

my grandfather, a pharmacist used cannabis oil, and opium as ingredients in medications, before manufactured pharmaceuticals came into existence, then it was outlawed so pharmaceuticals could make profits

[@321ready9]

A lot of the problems with medical marijuana is that the e cost is enormous. The problem with home-made cbd oil is not knowing what is in it. I have tried both.

[@legitwhitebelt8353]

GOOD journalism. This needs to change!

[@nicholaskruger2106]

thank you for your service sir.

[@sabrinakegley3468]

Thank you for Your Service and everything that you all do for our country. Many blessings and prayers for you to get better Scott.

[@pil3driverwaltz164]

Thank you for presenting this topic

[@daniarmstrong3023]

If alcohol cigarettes and over-processed foods are legal, so should drugs

[@brucemurchiedean6348]

I agree we need better road laws and much more. Legalise it across the whole country. I could go into the hundreds of pros vs the very few cons but I have expressed my opinion on this matter more times than I can count but in short it needs to be legal for recreational purposes as well as medical

[@ianmckinnon8461]

Thanks Scott for stepping up , were still in the dark ages in Western Australia . cannabis convictions are wrecking alot of peoples lives mate ..

[@waynequick9888]

I’m in the same situation. The cannabis oil is the best thing I’ve ever had for my health issues. All doctor’s did was to keep pumping pain killers into me. I was a walking zombie but was still allowed to drive. Now on prescribed medicinal oil I function like a normal person with none of the side effects but am now breaking the law. Go figure. Love our politicians and archaic laws.

[@Skate.fabricate]

Seriously, something needs to be done!

[@sharonbower6446]

Good for you mate,about time things change.

[@MRjonathonporridge]

"its a random breath test operation" hahahahahahahhaahhahahaah! The way he smiled after that comment just speaks volumes

[@kronicpain7357]

Exactly!! What a lier!!

[@RachelAllen-rf2yq]

I have said for thirty years we need medical cannabis, to be honest, can not believe we are at this stage. laws need to change good on you for standing up for what you think is right and I agree. no one has ever OD from cannabis what about all these people driving around off their heads on prescription drugs.

[@samtrow78]

Good on them for running this story even though it changed naught! Just had a mate get done for a joint he smoked last weekend on a Thursday, 4 days later, now he can’t get to work and he’s got a kid to feed, the system is broken we need to replace it.

[@mattendo1520]

I understand ur situation mate I am in the same boat. Broken spine, with leg troubles, This medicine is the only thing that gives relief and some sort of comfort, (Prescribed) but yet treated like a criminal. WE NEED A SYSTEM THAT CAN HELP PEOPLE IN THIS SITUATION

[@aaronjmet]

I don't even know what it is like to not drive high I've been driving high for 20 years

[@BB-ed4om]

Hope I never get near you on the road. Whenever I smell it I pinpoint the car and gtfo of there.

[@missleslieb.5269]

@@BB-ed4om You have no idea of who is driving under the influence of pot around you.

[@Gidget004]

People drive off their faces on other prescriptions

[@RypienGT]

Alot of alcoholics drive drunk for years without being caught too. Doesn't make it right, or safe, for other road users.

[@alexcarey5639]

I've got a connective tissue problem leaving me I horrible pain every second of every day. The only time I feel okay to even breathe is when I've smoke some marijuana. Even got my licence under the influence of marijuana? The Instructor passed me with flying colours haha but determining someone's ability on weed is a very difficult thing as everyone has a different tolerance.

[@TWFarr]

Was always a more patient driver after a few cones 😅

[@davidbarrett8058]

BTW.. its legal to take a whole tub of valium and drive if you have a prescription.

[@jackjohnson6230]

+ David Barrett read on the packets of medications most of them it is not legal to drive while taking them

[@davidbarrett8058]

@@jackjohnson6230 Doesn't matter what the packet says. If you have a script you can.

[@siy1973]

There is a machine similar to a breathalyser that has been developed in USA. So maybe a bit more research needed and you can do a follow up. Or join the party and help change the laws!!! Legalise cannabis Australia party is now in most states, JOIN US!!!

[@willx6394]

Anyone who thinks you can still be stoned the next day or even a few has after use, lack wisdom.

[@Gidget004]

But your allowed to drive on alcohol- 🙄

[@ultrastandphoenix1883]

And he's not even smoking it .these governments are waaaack.

[@darrenikin5840]

How has Australian politics krippled Australia. We are always so slow to catch up with the world. Medicinal cannabis has been around for 20plus years. How come citizens have to yet again take to street protests to force our docile politicians and clunky government layers to drag ourselves into the modern world.

[@madelinebellinger482]

I live in Tasmania and my doctor has offer medicinal marijuana for me and I have to decline as I need to be able to drive. I wasn't aware of the exception. I might have to look into it. I have chronic pain and have used weed to help in the past and it does wonders. It really needs to be legalised.

[@Weirtoe]

You're not alone. Talk to a specialist, try just cbd which will allow you to drive. It's an oil based form you pop under your tongue, mine has no taste.

[@Churchyarmstrong]

Tasmania is legal to drive dude

[@BroccoliCult]

Thanks Project.

[@gigantor62]

So you can drive with other prescription drugs in your system but not medical cannabis? Smh

[@BB-ed4om]

Like blood pressure medication? Yes. Many medications keep people from having seizure, stroke, dizziness, etc. and one thing about prescriptions is they are made with the same ingredients, same dosage so the patient knows exactly what they took. With weed it’s less likely that every user will know the strength of what they’re using before getting behind the wheel. Until it kicks in.

[@rachs6229]

@@BB-ed4om that's also the case with medicinal cannabis products; they're highly regulated and quality controlled to ensure consistency, and they can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

[@aaronhopkins6697]

One year later and no. Zero change in Queensland to the driving rules.

[@sleek86]

these laws need to change. as someone in a similar position, ptsd and weed mean you can work and live normally.

[@downunderfulla6001]

As a chronic pain sufferer for over a decade, medicinally I’ve had a lot of benefits and have been able to get a little bit of normality/quality of life back. A field sobriety test like the one everyone has seen on tv cop shows is tasks I can’t perform at any time of the day. After 2 surgeries with my first surgery being a nightmare operation, I can’t hold weight on my left leg or hold it up because of the pain that emits in my L4 L5 S1 region, buttocks, knees and ankles. Standing is more comfortable than sitting but I can only do both of these things for about 20min before my body is either aching or I’m exhausted sometimes both. Long term pharmaceutical opioids are already affecting my health/innards yet this severely less dangerous LEGAL procedure still deems me a CRIMINAL. Not for being under the influence but for having a micro atom of trace.

[@carldurham5879]

How about changing the laws for all people on medically prescribed pain relief

[@mattbourke603]

I'm ex Army and I'm on the same medication and in the same boat

[@RadDaddy40]

we need changes. good job mate! let`s go everyone, keep it up !!!

[@blahblahdrunksheep]

I think that if anyone on medical canna is not allowed to drive then anyone who drinks should not be allowed to drive at all

[@unstoppableExodia]

A rare example of a story covered on the project that i completely agree with

[@goat2503]

Thank You Scott, I have severe chronic pain and cannabis helps me to keep opioids very low, the laws have to change, I use the oils of an evening. I do not touch a drop of alcohol, I’m not a drug abuser, I’m someone trying to survive and live as close to a normal life as possible. These laws need to be changed.

[@joshw3090]

I have medical oil and vape, but I'm aloud to drive and fail road side tests in Australia? (ACT)

[@joelgoetze]

Since 2019 on the GC my experience is that they don't waste a test on you show them your TGA approval or the package with the pharmacy/dispensary label with the prescription on it.

[@gr33rtheartist]

This is likely the case, yes, but I have a distinct problem with allowing police "discretionary powers" and calling it a positive outcome. It allows all kinds of profiling. If the cop is having a bad day? If the cop doesn't like black people? If the cop doesn't like the look of you? etc etc etc

[@jackjohnson6230]

@@gr33rtheartist if you aren't breaking the law then you nothing to worry about

[@kazperkins8313]

I'll sign up I have anxiety when ever driving when I'm on my medication cannabis I can drive with out having a panic attack

[@matthewdollard2152]

I got caught last year. How to smoke on Friday got caught Sunday

[@fredflintstoner596]

YOU SMOKE ON FRIDAYS THE SAME AS EVERY OTHER DAY OF COURSE !

[@ozzybloke-craig3690]

I fully support this. Gotta stop all the misinformation and uneducated people having a say. Make it fair.

[@garthharris8721]

We need a level as we do have for alcohol. My wife has been using this now prescribed by doctors. Let’s get a level and an exemption for medical diagnosis cannabis users , not dopers, and let these people get their lives back.

[@colinj58]

Amazing that the project hasn't done any follow up programs on this issue, only in it for the ratings

[@cjod33]

It's a revenue stream. Doesn't matter to them if you're affected or not.

[@BJL2142]

Medical or recreational, there's an element of both in both uses, using medicinally can dramatically improve your condition increasing the impact of recreation, using cannabis recreationally can and does help a lot of people manage both physically and mentally within their own lives, who are we to say you can or can't should or shouldn't about each other when these are decisions we need to make for ourselves. Good luck everyone 🙏✌️

[@davejensen7922]

I’ve used cannabis to treat the symptoms of MS and a back injury for thirty years without incident. I can get a script for medical cannabis but it costs twice as much as what I do use. Every penny is precious when you try to survive on the disability pension.

[@kronicpain7357]

Exactly!! Me too but I use cannabis for fibromyalgia and daily vestibular migraines. Wish it was cheaper, disability doesn’t stretch that much!

[@MrGundawindy]

I whole heartedly agree that the testing is ridiculous, but also blood alcohol level is not a reliable indicator of impairment either. An alcoholic may have a BAC of 0.10 and be hung out for a drink and to be impaired they may need to be over 0.30, which would put most people in a coma. Compare that to someone who rarely drinks that may be impaired at 0.02. Anyway, it has been a year since this aired and to my knowledge nothing has changed, although I feel I do need to check if that is the case. P.s. when I was trying to get into mining, I tested positive to cannabis 8 weeks after I had last smoked any. That was a urine test not a saliva test, but that's how ridiculous the testing is.

[@Australien90]

Give these people the opportunity to heal!

[@elementzz1504]

I have driven many thousands of hours stoned - no issue. Alcohol & driving is a big risk have driven drunk & it is completely different so dangerous!

[@CrackingGate]

Quite a few driving laws are focused on penalising drivers after the event has taken place and not actively deterring poor behaviour from occurring on our roads. A speeding driver may be penalised 3 weeks after they were detected speeding, that doesn't change their habits during that period. The risk of accidents remains and the only consequence is a monetary fine and possibly demerit points. Drivers with trace amounts of THC in their system after using cannabis (medicinal or recreational) a few days prior are effectively being treated in a similar fashion. It isn't about actively stopping those who are impaired on the roads posing a significant danger to the public at that time, it is about extorting money from the public by any means. There are better methods which could be used to detect and penalise for driving under the influence of cannabis, trace amounts of a chemical in your body doesn't directly correlate to impairment and is an outdated way of thinking which needs to change.

[@ValenThePowerful]

this message needs to sent louder across the board. even those old people in parliament can benefit from cannabis

[@zahirabuksh6766]

Poor thing I hope Docters can help him.

[@gr33rtheartist]

I am in the same boat. trace elements stay in the system for weeks. If you crash your car and are tested, no insurance for you! I can't drive I can't work? SO I live with pain instead.

[@-nup]

there is a headband test thing that tests for current THC brain activity instead of testing saliva for past use but no police have implemented it

[@Friskyhorton]

Our pain meds have a sticker that says “do not drive if affected”

[@Netskys]

Yeah but they don't test for the presence of pain meds days later, ignorant brain dead comment.

[@NathFilms]

I’m the same, I’m on medicinal cannabis, it should be tested the same as alcohol readings

[@johnadelsback9292]

I have been a ever day smoker had my license for year's I have only been in one car crash and it was a p plater that forgot that a stop sign means stop and took me out

[@jeffreywing6004]

I have ADHD, and was a Run Amok kid, at 16yrs old a Senior Police Sargent, told me how he helped his Son, who like me, went Ballistic when given Ritalin, he gave his Son Marijuana. I tried it, low and behold, my life became Normal. Old Sarge put on my Record, to not touch my Meds. As long as I don't have more than an ounce, I was okay That Cop ended up being the Police Commissioner and his Son was one of my best Mates That was 37 yrs ago. I was an AoD councillor, for years and Advocated for Marijuana. To help clients get off alcohol and dangerous drugs, like Meth. When I have a few days break, People around me think I'm using ICE (Methamphetamine) as I don't stop moving, also out work everyone. Don't take any man-made Drug. Not even Panadol. 53yrs old and still have a Choof in the Afternoon instead of a Beer.

[@34Media]

I went from 2 packs of Advil or Nurofen and Voltaren every month to 1 bottle of CBD oil and one with THC that has lasted me a year. 40 years of wear and tear as a mechanic and sports with sciatica pain was on constant thought. Now i get great sleep and and i feel so much better i haven't had a sciatica event for over 6 months now all thanks to cbd oil. BUt i'm constantly worried about losing my licence and my company in the mines spent 9 months dragging me through the coals making me feel like a criminal trying to find a way to ban me or to sack me . Good ol big mining companies don't let them fool you they care nothing about their employees. They even flew me off site to there doctor so he could try and convince me to go back on opiods !!!

[@paulshearer9140]

Such a ridiculous situation. Why do we not already have a breathalyzer for cannabis???

[@mickll12]

100% the only thing stopping me from using medicinal cannabis is the loss of my licence and lively hood.

[@RiffRaffMama.]

The fact that they can test for the level of alcohol in your system but not for the level of drugs in your system illustrates the major flaw in these laws. Until they can show someone has a drug reading of ".05" I don't think it's reasonable to tar everyone with the same brush and declare anyone with drugs in their system is a road hazard.

[@teecinemayo]

I've smoked at night and had an rdt the next morning and passed ..

[@alexwillis7093]

Great to see Mr Barry Hall on the project, I hope to see more of him on msm, He is an AFL legend

[@rebeccamondloch4265]

UK got same rules, and UK is biggest exporter in Europe

[@Dannafilms96]

Very controversial subject when it comes to driving but that always only seems to from be non-users who aren't aware of how careful and even over-engaged people are drive on cannabis. Ability to judge distance and potentially dizzy headspins right after smoking would be the main conserns. Anyone driving completely sober the next day of course should be considered a false postive.

[@toddviv]

Hey everyone what are we going to do to assist this man. This law just has to change, so many chronic pain sufferers are doing it tough, we need to legalise it!!

[@BebeBonet]

I have been driving stoned for almost 30 years and not a single issue.

[@xRoRox]

The UK definitely isn’t exempt. Plenty of medical users are losing licenses

[@bobtailsquid]

Doesn't SA have a condition on the licence for this?

[@anthonyboulus9042]

Thank you for bring this to light

[@emgee1393]

He's a legend he fought for us we need to fight for him

[@fredflintstoner596]

I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST STONED

[@StealthyyyHD]

Same

[@damsonemusic5125]

Lol Love it

[@legitwhitebelt8353]

How how?

[@creeib]

There is a test, that allows researchers to determine the amount of impairment in divers and the effects of nitrogen.

[@bleepbloopblahp]

What test are you talking about and what have the "effects of nitrogen" got to do with testing for impairment from cannabis?

[@creeib]

@@bleepbloopblahp Not a drug test, but a reaction test.

[@kenrichardson5600]

If you can get on I've got a letter from my treating Dr to say it's ok for me to use medicinal cannabis but Cannatrek has denied me for no reason, what's going on !!

[@australian2]

blowing clouds as I’m watching this…

[@offyarocka]

Yet you can drive with traces of perscription opioids no problems. This is discrimination......

[@lissyflur1907]

Legalize it!