Ai Group welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the Government’s Inquiry into the impact of the regulatory framework for cannabis in New South Wales (NSW).

We consider it reasonable and appropriate for the NSW Government to investigate the impact of the regulatory framework for cannabis in the State.

Cannabis has been a workplace hazard for many years. However, our members have been increasingly telling us that they are having significant difficulties in managing workers' use of prescribed medicinal cannabis, which can co-exist and indeed be indistinguishable from the unlawful use of cannabis. As is the case with all drugs (prescription or not), our members' primary concern is whether drug use creates risks of impairment. At law, our members must take steps to reduce or eliminate risks of injury or harm to persons in the workplace due to impairment associated with the use of cannabis (as they do for other drugs). This is of particular concern where the work-related activities are safety critical.

We have confined our submission to the impact of the current regulatory framework for cannabis as it relates to employment and the difficulties faced by our members.