As an alternative therapies Patient here in Australia, even once you’ve found the right authorised prescriber and clinic, there are other challenges you may face when incorporating these medicines into your daily routine.
One key challenge for Australian Patients today is the question of driving, especially for those who rely on their prescriptions to manage their health conditions. At the core of this issue is the intersection between medicinal requirements and needs and the legal ‘grey area’. Currently, the legal framework here in Australia does not have adequate distinction between medicinal and legal use and recreational/illegal use when it comes to your time spent on the road.
Today, Tasmania is the only Australian state that permits driving with detectable levels of active alternative therapies (those including the psychoactive components). Several Australian universities, academics, politicians and social groups are leading the charge to understand exactly how alternative therapies impact how we drive, as well as demarcating between recreational and legal, medicinal use.
This issue is also made more challenging due to the fact that alternative therapies can remain present in our systems long after we have consumed them and long after any noticeable effects have subsided, however a RDT (a Roadside Drug Test) could show positive for illegal compounds which could lead to ongoing legal implications.
Here at Farma, we believe all Patients should have the right to access the medicine they require without having to give up their ability to drive – a function that many rely on for their work and day-to-day lives. As more research and evidence comes forward, we hope for a near future that gives alternative medicine Patients the ability to feel confident to live their lives free of the fear of legal issues which could impact them for life.
So, where do you stand today?
Currently, outside of Tasmania, you are not legally allowed to consume alternative therapies and drive. If you are a Tasmanian resident, ensure you familiarise yourself with local laws, as there are still guidelines surrounding this. The one caveat to this is the specific variation of alternative therapies which have zero illegal compounds present – these would not violate any driving laws when consumed, however we advise you to use caution and to clarify with your Doctor if your prescriptions fall under this category.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. For accurate legal guidance, please consult with relevant legal authorities or a qualified professional.