The outdated and inconsistent law in Victoria has led to thousands of cannabis-using employees being dismissed unfairly due to workplace drug testing, Legalise Cannabis Victoria reports.
WorkSafe, Victoria’s regulator of workplace safety and health, is WorkSafe. Last updated in 2012 — four years before the legalisation of medical cannabis in Australia.
Many workplace tests are only screening for illicit drugs. There is no way to distinguish between illicit and medicinal cannabis. It means that workers who are prescribed medical marijuana can be penalized, even losing their job, for testing positive to a trace level of THC.
David Ettershank of Legalise Cannabis Victoria says, “Many workers who are afraid to lose their jobs will continue taking more addictive drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids because they’re not being tested.”
Legalise Cannabis Victoria began a legislative inquiry in 2024. The report was based on the findings of a previous parliamentary hearing. reform recommendations — and the government’s response is now 6 months overdue.
WorkSafe updated its alcohol and drug policy advice with the latest information about medicinal cannabis and recommended that it should be treated the same as other medications which may impair the user. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010, for example, should be revised to make it clear that discrimination against workers who are taking prescribed medications is illegal.
The Parliament of the United Kingdom will hold a debate on 30 July 2025. party’s motion Calling on the State Government to Act Immediately to Address the Issues, Legalise Cannabis Victoria calling for patient stories.
“Telling real stories is powerful — we saw that last year with medicinal cannabis and driving. We are trying to make everyone aware of how unjust the laws currently in place are and what they do for honest Australians.
Patients are also encouraged to send letters to Jacinta Alan, Ben Carroll (Minister for WorkSafe) and Sonya Killian, Attorney-General, to encourage them to support these changes. provided a template for doing so.
The party states, “Together we can stop medical discrimination at work.”
More information can be found on the Party’s website Protect Patient Rights webpage.