The New South Wales Legislative Assembly (lower house) passed the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026, which will exempt unimpaired, registered medicinal cannabis patients from automatic drug-driving penalties. [1, 2]
The bill passed the lower house with a 51-34 vote and will now progress to the Legislative Council (upper house). [1]
Key details of the proposed legislation include:
- Eligibility: Limited to NSW unrestricted license holders; it excludes learner, provisional (P-plate), and commercial drivers. [1]
- Registration: Eligible drivers must register with Transport for NSW, show proof of a valid prescription, and complete an education program. [1, 2]
- Impairment: Patients caught driving while showing actual signs of impairment or those with multiple illicit drugs in their system will still be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). [1]
also read (paywall)
