Montu, Australia’s leading medical cannabis company, has launched a campaign to support amendments to driving laws, after surveying thousands of patients and finding more than 99% back the call for change.

According to the survey, nearly all 6,000 respondents support proposed amendments to driving legislation to create an exemption for medical cannabis patients who are driving while unimpaired. These law changes will bring medical cannabis into line with how all other prescription medication is handled when it comes to keeping people safe on Australia’s roads. 

“Deterrence should not be a factor for people simply trying to treat their medical conditions, and people shouldn’t have to choose between taking their medicine and being able to drive days – or even a week – later,” said Kelly King, Montu spokesperson. 

“On behalf of our patients, we don't think any Australian should be vilified or criminalised due to unfair drug driving laws. We’re proud to amplify their critical calls to action and further our mission to not only improve accessibility, but also to represent the best interests of all Australians who are legally prescribed medical cannabis.” 

The Montu campaign, named Road to Reform, links supporters with official Parliamentary e-petitions which will be tabled for discussion once they reach the minimum petitioner numbers for each state.   

Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP, David Ettershank, encourages Australians to look overseas. 

“The data from abroad is clear that there is no correlation between legalising cannabis and increased road accidents,” he said.

“Significantly, Tasmania made these changes seven years ago and there has been no detectable change in road safety outcomes in that state. We take that as a green light that the roads will be safe when we achieve this in Victoria, too.” 

Don Wormald, a patient with Montu, is a vocal advocate for medical cannabis and supports a ‘commonsense’ approach to driving laws across the states. 

“I feel particularly strongly about the inequity of our driving laws,” he said. 

“I take medical cannabis for pain after breaking my spine in a surfing accident when I was 16. I could legally drive when taking pharmaceutical painkillers such as oxycontin, valium and codeine without a problem – but I can’t take the risk of driving even several days after taking my cannabis medication. 

“It’s great discussions are being had, but we need to amplify the calls for legislative change to ensure that we’re heard on this important issue.” 

The Road to Reform campaign has launched with three active states - Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland where the issue is currently being discussed. Other states are set to follow in the coming months.

For more information, visit the Road to Reform page here.