Medicinal cannabis users will be at risk of prosecution if they drive whilst under the influence as part of the planned implementation of roadside drug testing, it has emerged.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said that proposals are set to come forward for the introduction of tests on the levels of cannabis and cocaine in drivers’ blood in January.

He made the comments in an update on the overhaul of the 1956 Road Traffic (Jersey) Law to the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel yesterday.

Two tests are currently planned, Constable Jehan said, to separately measure the presence of cannabis and cocaine.

A limit of 5ugl (micrograms per litre) of blood for each substance will be set for regular drivers, and a limit of 2ugl for professional drivers, such as those driving heavy goods vehicles.

We’ve no reason why in Jersey drug driving is as big, if not a bigger problem, than drink driving

Infrastructure minister andy jehan

Constable Jehan then said that it is his understanding that there will not be any difference in dealing with drivers who are over the set limit after taking prescribed and non-prescribed cannabis.

The subject of roadside testing for drug driving has been on the Government’s to-do list for some time, having first been tabled by the States of Jersey Police in 2022.

Constable Jehan told the panel he was “frustrated” with the length of time the process has taken, but that his department continues to make “good progress”.

He confirmed the drafting of proposals was complete and he will be notifying the Council of Ministers – as well as the Infrastructure, Justice and Home Affairs and Health Scrutiny Panels – in the first few weeks of January.

Constable Jehan emphasised his desire for the new regulations to come into force soon after hearing “genuine concern” from doctors.

“There’s genuine concern from general practitioners who are seeing patients that are professional drivers with high levels in their blood,” the Minister explained.

“On that, we have to do a lot of work around education but we also have to give the enforcement agencies the tools to do the job.

“We’ve no reason why in Jersey drug driving is as big, if not a bigger problem, than drink driving.”