Victorian Medicinal Cannabis Driving Trial Reaches Key Milestone

The Victorian Government's world-first medicinal cannabis driving trial has completed recruitment of patients, marking a significant step forward in research that could eventually inform policy changes affecting thousands of Australians.

Trial Update

According to an update published on 6 January 2026 on the Victorian Government website, recruitment of adults with medicinal cannabis prescriptions has now concluded. The trial, conducted by Swinburne University of Technology at a closed-circuit track facility, will now commence recruitment of control participants in early 2026.

Researchers are assessing participants' ability to manage distractions and evaluating driving performance including steering, braking and speed control at METEC Driver Training in Bayswater.

The Road to the Trial: Fiona Patten's Advocacy

The pathway to this trial began in October 2020, when former Victorian MP Fiona Patten introduced a Bill to Parliament calling for medicinal cannabis patients to be treated like other prescription medication users. In response, the Victorian Government established the Medicinal Cannabis and Safe Driving Working Group, which included Patten herself alongside Victoria Police and other stakeholders.

Patten, who served as a Member of the Legislative Council from 2014 to 2022 for Reason Australia, established the medicinal cannabis taskforce and was the driving force behind the Inquiry into the Use of Cannabis in Victoria. She ran as the lead Senate candidate for Legalise Cannabis Australia in Victoria at the 2025 federal election.

The working group reported in July 2021, leading to government-funded research projects culminating in this $4.9 million trial announced in May 2024.

Why This Research Matters

Current Victorian law makes it illegal to drive with any detectable amount of THC, the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC can remain detectable in a person's system for several days after taking prescribed medication, creating legal complications for patients who use THC-containing medicinal cannabis products.

The Victorian Government has acknowledged that significant gaps exist in understanding the impacts of prescribed medicinal cannabis on driving performance. This trial aims to determine whether Victorians prescribed THC-containing medicinal cannabis can operate a vehicle without compromising their safety or that of other road users.

Timeline and Delays

• 2016: Medicinal cannabis legalised in Victoria; Patten begins advocacy for driving law reform
• October 2020: Fiona Patten introduces Bill to Parliament; Government establishes working group
• July 2021: Working group releases report with recommendations
• May 2024: Trial announced with $4.9 million funding (18-month timeline)
• November 2024: First participant drive conducted (six months after announcement)
• January 2026: Patient recruitment concluded; control group recruitment to commence

The sequential progression suggests the trial will extend beyond its originally anticipated late 2025 completion. No revised completion date has been announced.

Implications for the Sector

The trial's findings may inform not only Victorian policy but also provide evidence relevant to other states and territories grappling with similar regulatory challenges. Currently, patients prescribed THC-containing products face a legal paradox: they can lawfully use their prescribed medication but may be breaking the law if they drive, even when not impaired.

Patients, healthcare providers and advocacy groups will be watching closely for outcomes that could shape the future of medicinal cannabis policy and road safety regulations across Australia.

Further updates are expected to be published on the Victorian Government website as the research progresses.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider regarding their prescribed medicinal cannabis treatment and comply with all applicable laws regarding driving and medication use.