In Australia, the Legalise Cannabis Victoria (LCV) party is claiming a win in relation to the state’s outdated workplace drug testing laws. But the battle for change is still far from over.
Victoria’s workplace drug testing puts medicinal cannabis patients at risk of unfair dismissal; particularly given the intoxicating cannabinoid THC can be detected well after any potential impairment has passed. Related guidance from the state’s workplace health and safety regulator, Worksafe, was last updated in 2012, which was 4 years before medical cannabis was legalised in Australia.
In 2024, Legalise Cannabis Victoria kicked off a parliamentary inquiry that ultimately put forward a number of reform recommendations. Among them was WorkSafe updating its advice on prescribed medicinal cannabis so that it’s treated in the same way as all medications that may cause impairment.
The state government’s response is now more than seven months overdue. However, LCV reports that its motion calling on the Allan Government to commit to progressing the reforms recommended passed Victoria’s Upper House late last month.
“The fact that the Government voted in support of the motion had one startled observer note that the ‘Government just voted to give the Government a kick in the pants’!,” states LCV.
The party also wants to see amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 to prevent discrimination against those with a medical condition who are taking a prescribed medication, such as cannabis.
“No one should be sacked for taking a medicine prescribed by their doctor, which has no impact on their work performance”, said LCV’s Rachel Payne MP, who is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council.
Legalise Cannabis Victoria has vowed to keep the pressure on. Commenting on the victory, Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP David Ettershank said:
“We look forward to seeing legislation and regulation from the Allan Government very soon to address this issue. Because everyone deserves to be safe, supported and productive at work.”
In other Legalise Cannabis party news, its South Australian arm (LCSA) is to receive advanced funding intended to “level the playing field” in election campaigns. The funding will be used to support a month long, state-wide tour of regional and metropolitan areas.
“We will be hard to miss as we tour the state in our mobile billboard covered in hemp leaves and carrying our message,” says LCSA. ” It will have a QR code directing members and the public to our website with tour itinerary which will be updated regularly; and have photos of the tour events.”
