Research Centre: Swinburne University of Technology
Location: Advanced Technologies Centre, Level 3, 427 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122
Principal Researchers: Prof. Luke Downey, Dr. Thomas Arkell, and A/Prof. Amie Hayley
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Swinburne University of Technology HREC (approval number 20248178-19868).

More Australians are turning to prescribed medicinal cannabis to manage long-term health conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders. However, current laws make it illegal to drive with any detectable THC in your system – even if it’s medically prescribed.

This research study, led by Swinburne University of Technology, is investigating how prescribed medicinal cannabis affects real-world driving performance. By using closed-track driving tests, researchers aim to understand whether patients using stable doses of THC-containing medicinal cannabis can drive safely.

If you’re 21 or older, hold a valid Victorian driver’s licence, and have been using prescribed medicinal cannabis for more than 3 months, you may be eligible to participate. Sign up today!

• Participants will be contributing valuable information to understand the impacts of prescribed medicinal cannabis on driving.
• Participants will be compensated a total of $1500 on completion of the study.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all requirements of the study, including risks and procedures.
• You will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, as required by the law.

Eligible:

• Adults aged 21 or older
• Experiencing a health condition lasting more than 6 months (anxiety or sleep disorders)
• Currently using prescribed medicinal cannabis for one of these conditions
• Have been using prescribed medicinal cannabis for 3 months or more
• Using a stable dose of medicinal cannabis (same amount each time on a regular schedule)
• Using a product that contains at least 2 mg of THC per dose
• Hold a current and unrestricted Victorian driver’s licence (not on P-plates)
• Able to consume medicinal cannabis during the day as required for testing
• Able and willing to attend all study sessions, including full-day visits and 2 overnight stays

Ineligible:

• Using prescribed medicinal cannabis for less than 3 months
• Still increasing or adjusting medicinal cannabis dose (dose titrating)
• Unstable use of other medications that may impair driving (e.g., opioids or benzodiazepines)
• Unable to attend full-day visits or stay overnight for 2 individual nights
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Swinburne University of Technology
Founded in 1908 and university‑status since 1992, Swinburne is a public research university (~66,000 students, ~2,700 staff) that excels in STEM, design, health, and astronomy. It boasts significant external research funding, global partnerships, and leading infrastructure such as the Space Technology and Industry Institute.