Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that Queensland has the highest number of patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia. These patients are being adversely affected by the current zero-tolerance policy for THC in roadside and workplace drug testing. Zero tolerance was adopted when governments were uncertain about safe levels, but this blanket approach now unfairly penalises patients who should be trusted to use their prescribed medication responsibly, as with other medicines that may cause impairment. Lawfully prescribed patients are being discriminated against through workplace and roadside testing, often resulting in loss of mobility, employment, independence and access to effective treatment for their condition. Medicinal cannabis prescribed by a doctor should be treated consistently with other prescription medicines. Tasmania and Victoria have recognised this need and now protect patients who test positive for THC but are unimpaired while using cannabis as directed. Queensland patients deserve the same fair treatment.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend relevant legislation to provide a full medical defence for patients who test positive for THC when taking medicinal cannabis as prescribed by their doctor, provided they are not impaired.