Legalise Cannabis Victoria, a party in Australia that advocates for the legalization of cannabis at workplaces, has claimed victory over the outdated drug-testing laws. However, the fight for change is far from being over.
Victoria’s drug-testing workplace policy puts medical cannabis users at risk for unfair dismissal, especially since the cannabinoid THC is detectable long after impairment. Worksafe’s guidance on workplace safety and health was updated last in 2012. This was four years before the legalisation of medical cannabis in Australia.
Legalise Cannabis Victoria launched a parliamentary investigation in 2024 that led to a series of reforms. WorkSafe was among those who updated their advice about prescribed medicinal marijuana so it would be treated in the exact same manner as any medication that could cause impairment.
More than seven months have passed since the response of the state government. LCV, however, reports that a motion calling for the Allan Government’s commitment to implement the reforms was passed by Victoria Upper House in late November.
“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’!,” states LCV.
It also seeks amendments to Equal Opportunity Act 2010, to stop discrimination of those who have a condition and are prescribed medication such as marijuana.
Rachel Payne is the MP of LCV, and a member on the Victorian Legislative Council. She said, “Nobody shouldn’t be fired for taking medicine prescribed to them by their doctors, because it doesn’t affect their job performance.”
Legalise Cannabis Victoria is vowing to continue the pressure. David Ettershank MP, Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s spokesperson commented:
The Allan Government has promised to introduce legislation to deal with this problem very shortly. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at work.
Legalise Cannabis’ South Australian branch (LCSA), will receive advance funding to help “level the field” during election campaigns. This funding will support a state-wide, month-long tour in regional and metro areas.
LCSA states that “we will be difficult to miss when we tour the State in our hemp leaf mobile billboard and carry our message.” The mobile billboard will include a QR Code that will direct members to the LCSA website, which has a tour schedule and photos.