Drive Change’s petition of state and federal governments calling for equal driving rights for legal medicinal cannabis patients is closing in on its initial goal of 10,000 signatures.
More than 9,000 people have signed up so far and campaigners have set a target of 50,000 signatories by the end of August.
Campaign coordinator Bee Mohamed said it has gained great momentum since launching in mid-July with more members of parliament signalling their support.
She added: “There is no doubt that we need a nationally consistent framework for drug-driving reform and to work closely with a range of MPs across Australia to advocate for this change.”
MPs including Dr Mike Freelander (chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Medicinal Cannabis), Cate Faerhmann and David Shoebridge (Greens NSW), Sophia Moermond (Legalise Cannabis WA) and David Limbrick (Liberal Democrats, Vic) all support the campaign.
While also backed by members of the scientific community, Mohamed said more support from the industry is essential.
She said: “Since the last round of fundraising, we have managed [to raise] close to A$25,000 but continue to see a lack of support from medicinal cannabis companies as well as clinics.
“The support of the industry is crucial in ending these drug-driving laws that are not only hurting public health, but slowing the growth of the medicinal cannabis industry in Australia.”