❓ Dr. Walker questions the Minister for Police about monitoring international research on cannabis breath testing and ensuring its consideration in WA. The Minister responds that WA Police monitor advancements but have no current plans to change cannabis laws.
AnsweredQoN 1594Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CANNABIS — ROADSIDE BREATH TESTING
1594. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer the minister to what has
been called potentially paradigm-changing research being undertaken by
scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United
States, aimed at creating a breath test that can reliably measure recent
cannabis use in terms of hours, rather than days.
(1) Are WA police monitoring these types of
international developments in roadside testing, and this one in particular?
(2) If no, how
might we better ensure that the outcomes of such research are considered here
in WA in a timely and appropriate manner?
(3) Given that the minister is responsible for our
current roadside testing regime here in WA, will he commit to liaising
with his colleagues in the health and road safety portfolios to ensure that
this, and any similar information, is passed to the ministerial working group
on tetrahydrocannabinol driving for their consideration; and, if not, why not?
1594. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer the minister to what has
been called potentially paradigm-changing research being undertaken by
scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United
States, aimed at creating a breath test that can reliably measure recent
cannabis use in terms of hours, rather than days.
(1) Are WA police monitoring these types of
international developments in roadside testing, and this one in particular?
(2) If no, how
might we better ensure that the outcomes of such research are considered here
in WA in a timely and appropriate manner?
(3) Given that the minister is responsible for our
current roadside testing regime here in WA, will he commit to liaising
with his colleagues in the health and road safety portfolios to ensure that
this, and any similar information, is passed to the ministerial working group
on tetrahydrocannabinol driving for their consideration; and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) While
the Western Australia Police Force is not currently aware of this specific research,
the agency continues to monitor advancements in roadside testing to ensure the
best available products on the market are used and informed by scientifically
endorsed research. The WA Police Force will continue to review research advancements in detection devices for
roadside drug testing. As the honourable member has been previously
advised, there are no current plans to make changes to the existing laws
regarding cannabis possession and use in Western Australia.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) While
the Western Australia Police Force is not currently aware of this specific research,
the agency continues to monitor advancements in roadside testing to ensure the
best available products on the market are used and informed by scientifically
endorsed research. The WA Police Force will continue to review research advancements in detection devices for
roadside drug testing. As the honourable member has been previously
advised, there are no current plans to make changes to the existing laws
regarding cannabis possession and use in Western Australia.
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