Medicinal Cannabis Users to Benefit from Changes
Uniting has expressed support for the New South Wales Government’s announcement to amend drug driving laws concerning medicinal cannabis, as revealed on 4th June 2026.
The proposed changes aim to align the NSW Road and Transport Act with the legal status of medicinal cannabis, ensuring consistency with other prescribed drug regulations. These changes are a response to growing evidence supporting the need for such amendments.
Alexandra Hogan, Social Justice Lead at Uniting NSW.ACT, stated, “We need a health and well-being response to drug use, and that includes people who drive and use prescribed medicinal cannabis.”
Community Impact and Advocacy
Current laws have been criticised for creating barriers to daily life, especially in regional areas where public transport options are limited. Hogan highlighted the issue: “If your work or daily life requires driving, the law as it stands is creating unfair barriers for people who use prescribed medicinal cannabis.”
Uniting has collaborated with Unharm and other partners in the Fair Treatment campaign, as well as supportive crossbench MPs, to advocate for these changes. The campaign aims to ensure that medicinal cannabis users are not unfairly penalised.
Hogan also called on the government to respond to last year’s Drug Summit report with a detailed plan and the necessary funding to implement its recommendations. The report highlighted the need for comprehensive changes to ensure fairer treatment of medicinal cannabis users.
Uniting NSW.ACT has a long history of advocating for fairer drug laws, including managing the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross for 25 years. This experience has fuelled their efforts in the Fair Treatment Campaign, which has been active for over seven years.
The Fair Treatment Campaign, which includes various community partners, aims to reform drug laws to improve public health outcomes. By working closely with key stakeholders, Uniting seeks to ensure that drug law reforms are evidence-based and equitable.
As a part of their advocacy, Uniting emphasises the importance of considering the impact of drug laws on regional communities, where alternative transport options are minimal. They argue that aligning drug driving laws with the legal status of medicinal cannabis will remove unnecessary hurdles for those needing to drive.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:54 am
