Swinburne medical cannabis driving trial starts

The first drive has taken place on the Victoria Government’s closed-circuit trial to investigate whether individuals who use medicinal cannabis can drive safely.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne has announced the world first trial kicked off at METEC Driver Training in Bayswater.

Backed by a $4.9 million investment by the Government – the 18-month trial conducted by Swinburne University of Technology, will assist in understanding how THC in medicinal cannabis impacts driving performance and how this translates into risk on the road – with a regional trial track set to also begin in Anglesea.

Lead Researcher of Swinburne's Drugs and Driving Research Unit Professor Luke Downey says, "We've made significant strides in the articulation of our research vehicles, which are specifically designed to assess driving performance in real-world conditions".

Researchers will review participants’ ability to manage distractions and assess their driving performance including steering, braking and speed control.

The drivers will also be closely monitored throughout the trial and strict protections will be in place to make sure people at the track keep safe.

A qualified driving instructor will be present in the vehicle at all phases of the driving assessments, with access to dual controls to intervene promptly if needed.

The private driving course mirrors real-world conditions and is away from public roads.

To qualify, participants must have been prescribed medicinal cannabis for a sleep disorder, chronic pain, or a mental health condition for at least six months. The trial will include pre and post-drive drug impairment screenings.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne says, “In a world first trial, we have kicked off the first drive to gain a greater understanding on the effects of medicinal cannabis on driving in Victoria".

To learn more about the track trial, visit the trial website.