NRMA’s miss on THC and Impairment, by the Hon. Jeremy Buckingham, MLC.
When it comes to the NRMA’s latest report on drug driving, we see a glaring misstep that is as clear as the morning fog over a country road: presence does not equal impairment. Pointing fingers at THC in fatal crashes without acknowledging this basic fact is not just bad science—it’s misleading policy advocacy.
For starters, the report leans heavily on the statistic that THC was present in 69% of drug-related fatal crashes. Yet, it conveniently glosses over the critical nuance that THC can linger in the system long after its psychoactive effects have worn off. This is Cannabis 101. Testing positive for THC days after medicinal or recreational use is no more an indication of impairment than finding crumbs in your car is proof of eating behind the wheel during the crash.
The NRMA’s argument rests on shaky ground. They borrow bits and pieces of research showing THC’s impact on reaction times and lane control but fail to connect this to real-world data on medicinal cannabis users. What’s missing? Evidence that medicinal cannabis patients—people using legally prescribed THC—are causing crashes at a rate that justifies the stigma and punitive measures they face. Spoiler: that evidence doesn’t exist.
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the irony. The report rightly calls for more data, more research, and more education. Yet, it’s comfortable making sweeping claims about cannabis and road safety without that very same data. If the goal is truly evidence-based policy, then why play fast and loose with statistics to scare the public?
This approach risks more than just credibility; it risks alienating hundreds of thousands of Australians who rely on medicinal cannabis to improve their quality of life. Punishing them for driving responsibly—when they are unimpaired—does nothing to make roads safer. It only reinforces outdated stereotypes.
Let’s clear the fog. Road safety is paramount, but policies should be grounded in science, not assumptions. If we’re serious about saving lives, we must focus on actual impairment, not a trace presence that tells us nothing about a driver’s fitness behind the wheel. The NRMA can and should do better. It’s time to stop treating medicinal cannabis patients as road hazards and start treating them with the respect they deserve.
Hon. Jeremy Buckingham, MLC at Nimbin MardiGrass 2024
25 November, 2024