When Policy Collides With Reality: The Urgent Need For Better Cannabis Training

A question of competence

In my years as a medical practitioner, I learned that you cannot diagnose a condition you do not understand. You cannot treat a patient if your knowledge is based on outdated assumptions rather than clinical reality. This simple truth should apply to every aspect of our legal system, yet when it comes to cannabis, we seem determined to operate in the dark. I recently brought this matter to the floor of the Legislative Council, motivated by a practical initiative from Vermont where police cadets observe real-world effects to better identify impairment.

The current approach here is far less grounded. When I asked whether our own police force might consider evidence-based training methods to improve their ability to recognise actual impairment, the answer was a flat no. We are left with a system that relies on vague protocols while lacking the practical experience required for accurate roadside assessments. This is not just a bureaucratic oversight: it is a significant risk to the public and to the integrity of our enforcement.

The danger of ignoring evidence

We are failing our officers by denying them the tools and the context they need to do their jobs fairly. Without proper training, we risk a system where individuals are penalised for the mere presence of a substance rather than true impairment. This is the definition of a policy failure. It creates a state of perpetual anxiety for responsible citizens who are left vulnerable to flawed testing regimes. If you enjoy deep dives into these important parliamentary updates, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more regular insights.

We are governed by those who seem content to maintain the status quo, even when the evidence screams for change. They rely on tired rhetoric about identifying a range of impairments, yet they ignore the specific challenges that cannabis presents in a modern society. It is frustrating to witness this refusal to evolve, especially when the solution is within reach. True safety comes from precision, not from broad, unrefined legislation that targets people without regard for science.

The ongoing struggle for reform

My questions regarding the working group into THC driving have similarly stalled, with responses pointing to older, stagnant documentation rather than providing a clear path forward. This leaves many of us asking: why the delay? We need transparency, and we need action based on contemporary understanding. You can review the full details of this exchange in the official Hansard record.

The road ahead requires us to move past the fear-based politics that have held this state back for far too long. If you believe, as I do, that our laws should be dictated by science and compassion rather than antiquated prejudice, then we need your voice. Join us at the Legalise Cannabis WA party as we continue to push for a more rational, evidence-based approach to the future of our state.