General News
6 June, 2026
Lawrence welcomes "commonsense road laws" for medicinal cannabis users
The NSW government has announced that laws would be introduced into parliament which mean medicinal cannabis users are no longer automatically barred from driving due to THC presence.
Duty MLC for Barwon, Bathurst, Cootamundra, Dubbo, and Orange Stephen Lawrence has welcomed the announcement from the Minns Labor Government, which allows medicinal cannabis users to drive whilst not impaired.
The laws maintain safety on the roads however by mandating drivers enrol as a registered medicinal cannabis user, provide proof of a valid prescription, and complete an online program encompassing cannabis and driving safety.
Drivers will still be roadside drug tested, and users will be banned for driving for an immediate 24 hours if they test positive for THC, while samples are lab-tested to determine THC. If a result shows THC at or above the legal threshold, penalties will apply.
The new laws follow an upper house committee into regulatory rules around cannabis, which recommended the changes – a committee which Mr Lawrence participated in.
Mr Lawrence told parliament on Thursday afternoon (June 4) that it was a welcome change.
“This is an important reform that is going to have a real impact in people’s lives. In our (Cannabis Regulation) Inquiry we took evidence that jurisdictions overseas that have implemented a medicinal use defence for these offences have seen no increase in drug-related harm.”
“This reform won’t lead to an adverse change in behaviour, it’ll only impact people who are carefully aware of the law and carefully aware of medical instructions.”
Mr Lawrence added that the reform would be impactful.
“Around a third of Australia’s million medicinal cannabis users are estimated to be in NSW, and this is a welcomed change for them.”
