The Victorian government has launched a closed-circuit driving trial to evaluate the safety of individuals using medicinal cannabis behind the wheel.
The initiative, which aims to provide valuable insights into how medicinal cannabis impacts driving abilities, began its first phase at the METEC Driver Training facility in Bayswater.
World-first research initiative
The trial, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne, is recognised as the first of its kind globally. The Victorian government has partnered with Swinburne University of Technology to assess the effects of doctor-prescribed medicinal cannabis on people’s driving in a controlled environment. Backed by a $4.9 million investment as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25, the project will be conducted by Swinburne University over an 18-month period. Researchers will assess participants’ driving performance and their ability to handle potential distractions. A regional trial is also set to commence in Anglesea in the coming months.
The trial follows the recent introduction of the Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, which supports the implementation of this world-leading research. This legislation allows for the closed-circuit trial to determine whether individuals prescribed medicinal cannabis containing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can drive safely under specific conditions. Minister Horne explained, “This Bill will allow us to deliver a world-leading research trial into medicinal cannabis and driving, enhancing our understanding of how medicinal cannabis affects driving behaviour and informing future reform.”
Minister Horne emphasised the significance of the trial, stating, “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.” Premier Jacinta Allan also highlighted, “Under our Government, Victoria was the first state in Australia to legalise access to medicinal cannabis – now our world-first trial will see if those taking this medication can safely get behind the wheel.”
Key trial procedures
Participants in the trial must meet specific criteria to qualify. They must have been prescribed medicinal cannabis for at least six months to manage conditions such as sleep disorders, chronic pain, or mental health issues. The study will include both pre-drive and post-drive drug impairment screenings to gather comprehensive data on how THC, the active compound in cannabis, affects driving performance.
Currently, it is illegal in Victoria to drive with any detectable amount of THC, which can remain in a person’s system for several days after consumption. This legal context adds urgency to understanding how medicinal cannabis impacts driving ability, especially given that medicinal cannabis use in Victoria has surged by 700 per cent over the past two years. The increase in usage underscores the importance of this trial, as significant gaps remain in understanding THC’s potential impairment on driving performance across different driver cohorts.
The private driving courses used in the trial are designed to replicate real-world driving conditions but are situated away from public roads to ensure safety. Researchers will closely monitor participants during the driving assessments, focusing on key aspects such as:
- Steering control
- Braking performance
- Speed regulation
- Management of distractions
Professor Luke Downey, lead researcher at Swinburne University’s Drugs and Driving Research Unit, highlighted the research’s meticulous approach, saying, “We’re excited to be leading this world first on-track evaluation of the impact of medical cannabis on driving performance, and we support the Victorian Government’s commitment to evidence-based policy for road safety.”
Safety measures and supervision
To ensure the highest safety standards throughout the trial, strict protocols are in place. Each vehicle used in the study will be accompanied by a qualified driving instructor equipped with dual controls, enabling them to take immediate action if necessary. The thorough supervision aims to maintain the well-being of participants and others involved in the trial.
The METEC facility in Bayswater offers an ideal environment for the initial phase of the trial. The closed course allows for controlled conditions that mimic daily driving experiences without the risks associated with public road use. In addition to METEC, the regional component at Anglesea will further diversify the data by incorporating different driving settings.
Legislative support and research oversight
The Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 provides the legal framework necessary for the trial to proceed. This bill ensures that trial participants, under controlled conditions, may display driving behaviours that could otherwise be considered offences under the Road Safety Act 1986. The trial will be overseen by an independent research organisation, with governance provided by the Department of Transport and Planning, road safety partners, and health professionals.
Detailed planning has designated a controlled driving environment that is physically separated from public roads, prioritising safety for all participants and research staff. A steering committee involving road safety partners has also been established to monitor the trial’s progress, with all data and evidence to be carefully reviewed before any future recommendations are made.
Broader initiatives and future implications
Alongside the trial, the government is collaborating with medical professionals to develop resources that help doctors consider their patients’ driving needs when prescribing medicinal cannabis. Work is underway to create a Medicinal Cannabis Clinical Decision Support tool to support health professionals in providing appropriate advice and considering patients’ driving requirements. This initiative complements a broader review of road safety outcomes in other countries to ensure Victoria remains informed by the latest global data on medicinal cannabis and driving.
The trial’s primary aim is to provide evidence-based insights into how medicinal cannabis influences driving abilities and the potential risks it poses. Current road safety laws in Victoria prohibit drivers from having any detectable level of THC in their system, despite medicinal cannabis being legally prescribed for a variety of conditions. This research could pave the way for nuanced policy changes that better reflect the realities of medicinal cannabis use.
Minister Horne underscored the evidence-based nature of the trial, saying, “This is an evidence-based approach – we’re working with researchers from Swinburne University to see whether people can drive with any level of medicinal cannabis without compromising road safety.”
Participation and further details
Participants selected for the trial will undergo assessments designed to measure their cognitive and motor skills under the influence of medicinal cannabis. Their performances will be reviewed, and any deviations in steering, braking, speed control, or reaction to distractions will be meticulously recorded.
The trial includes:
- Comprehensive drug impairment screenings before and after each driving session.
- Continuous monitoring of participants by the research team.
- Access to expert supervision throughout the driving tests.
Interested parties can find more details about the trial on the Swinburne University of Technology website.
