Legalise Cannabis Victoria has had another win as it battles to wind back workplace drug testing laws that hurt medicinal cannabis patients. LCV’s motion, calling on the Allan Government to commit to progressing the reforms recommended by a state inquiry into workplace drug testing, passed Victoria’s Upper House. The fact that the Government voted in support of the motion had one startled observer note that the ‘Government just voted to give the Government a kick in the pants’!

Two AFL legends, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson and Suns coach Damien Hardwick, came out in support of the campaign. Earlier this month the pair made videos calling on the Victorian Government to change discriminatory laws, so workers don’t lose their jobs just for taking a medication that can be detected by a workplace drug test.

MP David Ettershank said workplace drug tests discriminates against medicinal cannabis patients because THC can show up days or weeks after consumption – even when you are stone-cold sober! David and fellow LCV MP Rachel Payne want changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to regulate workplace drug testing; and amendments to Equal Opportunity Act 2010 to prevent discrimination against people who have a medical condition and/or are taking a prescribed medication, such as medicinal cannabis.

Victoria’s Worksafe guide to Alcohol and Other Drugs has unbelievably not been updated for 14 years, while medicinal cannabis only arrived 10 years ago – there is an urgent need for change. Last year’s cross-party parliamentary inquiry also recommended that drug testing should only take place if there is an Alcohol and Other Drug support framework in place, and this must be developed by employees, unions and employers, and it needs to be appropriate for the workplace. “No one should be sacked for taking a medicine prescribed by their doctor, which has no impact on their work performance”, Rachel said.

We look forward to the Government acting and Legalise Cannabis Victoria will keep the pressure on!