Campaigners have urged Queenslanders to keep the pressure on MPs after the state government confirmed it will examine legislation around medicinal cannabis and driving.
In an early sign that developments in New South Wales may trigger reform in other states and territories, Queensland’s department of Transport and Main Roads said it was exploring the issue.
It follows the findings of a review handed to the government into medicinal cannabis where driving was a key focus. A range of options are understood to have been tabled in the paper.
A spokesperson for TMR told Cannabiz in a statement: “The Queensland Government is carefully considering recommendations following a review into the current legislation.”
Cannabiz has sought additional information on what recommendations were contained in the review.
The issue has been long-been debated in Queensland – and across Australia – and it is unclear if recent developments are linked to a review initiated by TMR in 2022 that was not expected to be completed until the end of 2024.
Legalise Cannabis Queensland member, Jacqueline Verne, who stood for the party at the state’s Stafford by-election last month, welcomed the move but warned: “Don’t mistake a review for reform”.
Urging Queenslanders to keep campaigning she said: “The reality is if we stop pushing now there may be no changes or the changes that do occur will not be appropriate.
“But what this announcement shows is that we can make a difference. We’ve shared our stories, we’ve signed petitions and we’ve emailed MPs. We kept putting evidence in front of politicians and decision-makers and we need to keep doing it.
“Queensland still has antiquated laws that punish medicinal cannabis patients who aren’t impaired and are simply using legally prescribed medicine.
“This review is an opportunity but opportunities only become change when we keep showing up. Let’s keep the pressure on and make sure Queensland gets it right.”
