Medicinal cannabis and safe driving closed circuit track trial
This world-first trial is looking at how prescribed medicinal cannabis impacts driving performance.
About this study
The Victorian Government is funding a study to understand whether delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing medicinal cannabis impacts driving performance. The study will be delivered in real-world driving conditions in a fully controlled environment.
The outcomes of this study will add to the data and knowledge needed to determine if Victorians who are prescribed medicinal cannabis (containing THC) can be in control of a vehicle without compromising their safety or the safety of other road users.
Inclusion criteria
To participate in the study, you must:
- have a valid medicinal cannabis prescription lasting more than six months for one of these conditions:
- chronic pain
- mental health condition (e.g. anxiety)
- sleep disorder
- be using medicinal cannabis for three months or longer and on a stable dose (using the same amount each time on a regular schedule)
- be using a medicinal cannabis product that contains at least two milligrams of THC per dose
- be 21 years of age or older
- hold a current and unrestricted Victorian driver's licence (not on a probationary or learner license)
- be able to consume medicinal cannabis during the day as required for testing
Exclusion criteria
You will not be eligible to participate if you:
- have been using precribed medicinal cannabis for less than three months
- are still adjusting your dose (dose titrating)
- have unstable use of other medications that may affect driving, such as opioids or benzodiazepines
- are unable to attend the test facility for a full day and stay overnight for two nights (required for one testing site)
- are currently pregnant or lactating
What's involved?
Participation in the study requires first attending a comprehensive medical screening at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. A doctor will review your medical history in detail and decide whether you meet the inclusion criteria for this trial.
If you meet the inclusion criteria and decide to participate, you will need to be available for four days within a single week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).
During this week, transportation will be provided between Hawthorn and two testing facilities – Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) in Wensleydale and METEC Driver Training in Kilsyth.
As AARC is located approximately two hours from Melbourne, you will be transported there on Monday and stay for two nights. Accommodation and catering will be provided at no cost to you.
You will complete a full day of testing on Tuesday and return to Hawthorn on Wednesday. On Friday, you will travel from Hawthorn to METEC to complete another full day of testing.
On the two testing days (Tuesday and Friday), you will be required to complete a series of on-track driving assessments, cognitive tests, and questionnaires before and after consuming a standard dose of your prescribed medical cannabis. You will also be required to provide multiple blood and saliva samples.
Will I be reimbursed for participating?
We understand that participating in this study requires a considerable time commitment. You will be reimbursed up to $1,500 for your time and provided with transport, accommodation and meals.
Would like to participate?
Please register your interest and send us your details using our registration form.
Our research ethics and integrity
Our researchers are committed to the highest ethical, professional and scholarly standards. All our studies conform to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, Good Clinical Practice and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about this trial, please email us via cantrack@swinburne.edu.au.