A bill to change NSW drug driving laws was presented to parliament earlier this month.
Championed by the NSW Legalise Cannabis Party member Jeremy Buckingham, the bill calls for
drivers with a medicinal cannabis prescription to be free from prosecution if they undergo a positive roadside drug test.
Currently in NSW, it is illegal to drive with any amount of cannabis in your system, regardless of whether it is prescribed by a doctor or not. That is because cannabis can be impairing - it slows down reaction time, reduces responsiveness, alters perceptions of distance and time, lowers concentration, reduces coordination and increases drowsiness.
Proponents of the bill recognise the potential for impairment. If the bill is passed, only those medicinal cannabis users who have a doctor’s prescription and who pass an impairment test would be exempt from prosecution.
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Medicinal cannabis is a complex issue that is becoming even more complex. Organisations are increasingly facing the dilemma of how to handle workers presenting with these prescriptions and being potentially impaired at work. As well as what to do if they have been confirmed positive for THC in a workplace drug test.
DASA has the expertise needed to navigate this tricky terrain. Our occupational physician, Associate Professor David Allen, and our pharmacologist, Judith Griffin, have the knowledge and the experience to help you manage medicinal cannabis in your workplace.
For assistance call 1300 230 231 or send an email to info@dasa.net.au
DASA (Drug and Alcohol Solutions Australia) is proud to be leading the way in workplace drug and alcohol testing services throughout Australia. Whether your need is for workplace drug and workplace alcohol testing, advice on drug and alcohol policy or ideas on how to communicate your workplace expectations, policies and procedures to your staff, DASA can help. We have the experience, technical expertise and people to lead you to the right solution.
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