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Tara Cosoleto

Medicinal cannabis driving trial a step closer in Vic

There has been a 700 per cent increase in the number of Victorians prescribed medicinal cannabis. (Glenn Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

A medicinal cannabis driving trial is a step closer in Victoria with new legislation to be introduced to parliament. 

The closed-circuit test will investigate if there are conditions where those who are prescribed medicinal cannabis can drive safely.

The 18-month trial will be developed and implemented by an independent research organisation, with support from the transport department and other experts

New legislation enabling the government to run the trial will be introduced to the Victorian parliament on Tuesday.

In the past two years, there has been a 700 per cent increase in the number of Victorians being prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Current roadside drug testing can only identify if THC is present in a person's system, not whether it's come from medicinal or recreational cannabis.

The trial will not change the fact it's illegal to drive on Victorian roads while under the influence of THC.

The state government is also reviewing the road safety outcomes for people driving while using medicinal cannabis in other countries.

A steering committee involving road safety partners will be established to monitor the initiatives, with all data and evidence to be considered before recommendations are made.

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