Updated road rules that could protect medicinal cannabis patients from an automatic licence disqualification upon a positive THC test have taken effect in Victoria.
Although detecting THC will still constitute an offence, magistrates will now have the discretion to permit unimpaired patients who hold a valid prescription to retain their driving licence.
The changes took effect on March 1.
Legalise Cannabis Victoria Senate candidate Fiona Patten, a former member of the Victorian Parliament, said: "The new law still treats medicinal cannabis patients very differently to patients taking other possibly impairing medicine, like strong opiates and benzodiazepines, but it is a step in the right direction.
"I truly hope that other states adopt this modest legislative change."
The updated rules stem from a motion introduced by Legalise Cannabis Victoria MPs David Ettershank and Rachel Payne the previous year.
Pro Patria Centre
Veterans and first responders support organisation the Pro Patria Centre is developing a feature-length documentary examining the potential of medicinal cannabis in addressing chronic pain, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
Pro Patria Centre veteran Jason Frost and filmmaker Adam Drummond have collaborated to produce Brain Shocks: From Frontline to Freedom, with interviews for the project conducted at the United in Compassion (UIC) Symposium in Brisbane last month.
Pro Patria is seeking donations to finance the film, which follows the 2022 mini-documentary A Call to Action: Your Defence, Our Battle — a project that raised $100,000 for the centre.
Drummond said in an interview with Region Riverina: "We aim to raise awareness and influence policy change. We filmed 21 interviews over two days [at UIC] with experts from all over the world.
"It was exhausting but rewarding. The research is advancing quickly, and we're hopeful for holistic solutions soon."
Little Green Pharma
Little Green Pharma chief executive Paul Long has joined the company's board and been appointed managing director.
Long has held the CEO role since August 2023 and, before that, served as chief operations officer for over five years. He will continue to carry out his CEO responsibilities and his remuneration remains unchanged.
LGP has also confirmed the appointment of Elixinol Wellness chair David Fenlon as an independent non-executive director, alongside the departure of Beatriz Vicén Banzo from the board.
Aurora Cannabis
Canadian company Aurora Cannabis has broadened its pastille range in Australia with the introduction of THC, CBD and balanced products.
Pastilles have grown steadily in popularity among Australian patients, accounting for nearly 14% of special access scheme approvals in January.
Aurora executive vice president of global business development Andre Jerome said the expanded range "demonstrates our understanding of market demand and is another example of our ability to bring high-quality product to this key market as patient interest increases".
