NSW THC REFORM LATE MAY UPDATE
Hey everyone, following up on the last update where it looked like the government was stalling and Minns was on the clock, things have moved fast behind the scenes.
Alex Greenwich officially withdrew his Private Members’ Bill a couple of days ago, but it wasn't a loss it was a strategic chess move to clear the floor for the government to take the lead.
Cannabiz just confirmed this morning (May 19) that campaigners believe the ruling Labor party is officially closing in to table their own government-backed legislation next week when parliament resumes on May 26. (Paywalled, haven’t read the whole article but high tier source for all things cannabis.)
https://www.cannabiz.com.au/nsw-closing-in-on-cannabis-driving-reform-after-mp-withdraws-bill/
The TL;DR:
• What stalled is now moving: Greenwich clearing his bill gave the government the platform they needed to roll out their official framework.
• The Goal: An official government bill to provide a full legal defence for unimpaired prescription holders who test positive for THC roadside.
• Timeline: Expect the bill to land in the Chamber next Tuesday-Thursday.
It’s not an immediate midnight change as it still has to pass and be voted on etc, but having a government-backed bill instead of an independent one means it actually has the teeth to get through much easier than ever before. We are officially on the home stretch.
Note on Impairment Testing: For everyone wondering how they’ll actually test for impairment versus presence, that’s still the biggest question mark. There are no articles with a definitive answer on the exact testing mechanics yet. Hopefully, the government drops the charade, leaves the over-complicated testing models alone, and runs a sensible trial based on actual behavioral sobriety (are you driving safely/acting stoned or not? have a prescription? Okay good to go). We’ll know more once the full bill text is tabled next Tuesday.
Stay safe out there while the old laws are still active!
For those who must drive PRACTICE DENTAL HYGIENE or TOLERANCE BREAK, no better time than now and no need to make coppers jobs easier for them when reform is likely just around the corner.