Concerns over medicinal cannabis testing in the workplace drive review
A review of medicinal cannabis use in workplaces is underway in Victoria due to concerns regarding the reliability and nuance of current drug testing practices.
Medicinal cannabis has become increasingly common since its legalization in Australia in 2016, creating challenges for users in safety-sensitive industries and those subject to roadside drug testing.
While drug testing aims to ensure safety, experts have raised concerns about the limitations of detecting impairment and the potential for false positives, particularly with oral fluid tests.
The debate surrounds balancing occupational health and safety with the rights of medicinal cannabis users. The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) recognizes the limitations of existing testing methods and emphasizes the need for more robust techniques to determine impairment.
The Victorian parliament is considering a more nuanced approach, treating cannabis similarly to other prescription drugs and relying on the patient-doctor relationship to assess safety.
Limitations of current testing methods
Current drug testing methods have limitations in detecting impairment, especially with cannabis, which can remain in the body for an extended period.
Oral fluid tests are particularly unreliable, as they may fail to detect THC ingested in certain forms and can show positive results regardless of recent use or impairment.
Blood and urine tests also have their drawbacks, including inaccurate readings and positive results weeks after use.
Balancing safety and individual rights
Some experts argue that a positive drug test does not necessarily indicate impairment, but industries with high safety risks may not be able to tolerate any potential risks.
Proponents of a more nuanced approach advocate for treating cannabis like other prescription drugs, highlighting that its impairing effects are comparable to those of opioids and benzodiazepines, which are allowed in workplaces with appropriate supervision.
The AFPA acknowledges the limitations of current testing and calls for more robust methods to determine impairment accurately.
The Victorian parliament’s review aims to develop a more balanced approach that protects both workplace safety and the rights of medicinal cannabis users.
