Beauty therapist, 25, caught driving while stoned claims she needs to smoke cannabis to stop her getting anxious
- Ellie Hawkins, 25, was caught driving with marijuana in system in Queensland
- She returned a positive roadside drug test which confirmed she used the drug
- Hawkins was fined $500 and disqualified from holding licence for three months
A beauty therapist who was caught driving with marijuana in her system has claimed the drug helps ease her anxiety.
Ellie Hawkins was stopped while driving on a probationary licence on the Bruce Highway in Yandina, 112km north of Brisbane, on March 4.
The 25-year-old returned a positive roadside drug test, and it was later confirmed that she had smoked marijuana.
Ellie Hawkins (pictured), 25, was caught driving on a probationary licence with marijuana in her system on March 4
Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist told Hawkins that he believed the drug would make her more anxious, but she replied 'no', the Sunshine Coast Daily reported.
Her licence indicated she had a previous conviction and had not yet paid the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) debt.
Hawkins was fined $500 and disqualified from obtaining a driver's licence for three months.
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The news comes as New South Wales introduces strict new laws where anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs can immediately lose their licence.
First time, low-range drink-drivers from May 20 will be slapped with an on-the-spot suspension of their licence for three months and a fine of $561.
Drivers who have inhaled second-hand smoke are also at risk.
From April 30, drivers in Victoria who return a low-range reading will also lose their licence.
Victorian drivers will be required to complete a compulsory Behaviour Change Program and will need to get an alcohol interlock installed.
Hawkins (pictured) was fined $500 and disqualified from obtaining a driver's licence for three months
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