Victoria’s trial on driving under the influence of medicinal cannabis is underway

The first drive in a Victorian government trial to see someone who’s taken medicinal cannabis to see if they can drive safely got underway this week.

The closed-circuit testing at the METEC Driver Training facility in Bayswater is the start of a $4.9 million, 18-month trial, conducted by Swinburne University of Technology, to analyse how THC in medicinal cannabis impacts driving performance and how this translates into risk on the road. A regional trial track is also planned to take place in Anglesea.

Researchers will review the ability of the drivers involved to manage distractions and assess their driving performance including steering, braking and speed control.

They will also be closely monitored throughout the trial, with the driving course mirroring real-world conditions, and a qualified driving instructor is also in the vehicle during the assessments, with access to dual controls to intervene if needed.

The participants being tested for the driving skills under the influence of THC 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.

Swinburne’s lead researcher at the Drugs and Driving Research Unit, Professor Luke Downey, said: “We’ve made significant strides in the articulation of our research vehicles, which are specifically designed to assess driving performance in real-world conditions.”

More on the track trial is available at swinburne.edu.au/research.

Medicinal cannabis has been a key startup growth sector in recent years following the legalisation of the drug for prescribed medical use in 2016.

While several companies have turned to crowdfunding to raise capital, there are also several listed on the ASX, including Vitura Health Limited (ASX:VIT), Zelira Therapeutics (ASX:ZLD), Little Green Pharma Ltd (ASX:LGP) and Cann Group (ASX: CAN).

Australia’s legal cannabis market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 30% between 2024 and 2030 to be worth more than $1.3 billion at the end of the decade.