Advocates are calling on Queenslanders to maintain pressure on their elected representatives after the state government confirmed it will examine legislation governing medicinal cannabis and driving.
In what may be an early sign that developments in New South Wales could prompt action in other states and territories, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads confirmed it is examining the matter.
The announcement follows the delivery of a government-commissioned review into medicinal cannabis in which driving was a central focus. A range of options are understood to have been put forward in the paper.
A TMR spokesperson said in a statement: "The Queensland Government is carefully considering recommendations following a review into the current legislation."
The specific recommendations contained in the review have been requested, though further details have not been provided.
The question of drug driving laws has long been contested in Queensland and across Australia, and it remains unclear whether the current developments are connected to a review initiated by TMR in 2022 that was not expected to be completed until the end of 2024.
Legalise Cannabis Queensland member, Jacqueline Verne, who stood for the party at the state's Stafford by-election last month, welcomed the move but warned: "Don't mistake a review for reform".
Urging Queenslanders to keep campaigning she said: "The reality is if we stop pushing now there may be no changes or the changes that do occur will not be appropriate.
"But what this announcement shows is that we can make a difference. We've shared our stories, we've signed petitions and we've emailed MPs. We kept putting evidence in front of politicians and decision-makers and we need to keep doing it.
"Queensland still has antiquated laws that punish medicinal cannabis patients who aren't impaired and are simply using legally prescribed medicine.
"This review is an opportunity but opportunities only become change when we keep showing up. Let's keep the pressure on and make sure Queensland gets it right."
