Cannabis in the Australian Capital Territory
Cannabis in the Australian Capital Territory has been decriminalised for personal recreational use since 2020.[1] By way of federal law, Hemp is legal.[2] Medical cannabis is also legal via federal law, since the passing of the respective law in October 2016.[3] Although the decriminalisation of cannabis products is in opposition to federal law, federal law is effectively unenforced around cannabis in the ACT.[4]
 Location of the Australian Capital Territory (red) | |
| Medicinal | Legal |
|---|---|
| Recreational | Decriminalised |
| Hemp | Legal |
In 2018, an ACT Labor backbencher, Michael Pettersson, introduced the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018. This bill was passed in 2019 and came into force in 2020 with bipartisan support from Labor and the ACT Greens, with the Liberals voting against it.[5]
In the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 8.7% of ACT residents used cannabis in the past 12 months, which is in line with the data from the same survey held in 2007. Cannabis use in the ACT is lower than that of the rest of the country.[6]
Decriminalised limits
editSince 2020, residents of the Australian Capital Territory over the age of 18 have legally been able to possess up to 50 grams of 'dried' cannabis, and 150 grams of 'wet' or freshly harvested cannabis.[7] Alongside this, Territorians can grow up to two plants per person and four per household if there is more than two adults in the home.[8]
Personal and commercial sale of recreational cannabis in the ACT still however remains illegal, this includes cannabis seeds and extracts.[9]
Partisan views on cannabis decriminalisation in the ACT
edit| Party | Views | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra Liberals | Against | Against decriminalisation, want to overturn if elected into Gov't[10] | |
| ACT Labor | For | Pro-decriminalisation, evident in policy platform.[11] | |
| ACT Greens | For | Pro-decriminalisation, as well as commercial legalisation.[12] | |
Liberals
editThe Liberals are generally against the ACT cannabis decriminalisation laws. Prior to the 2020 Australian Capital Territory general election, the Canberra Liberals vowed to repeal the decriminalisation laws if elected in majority.[13] Since their loss at that election, they have stated it is no longer a priority of theirs.[14]
Labor
editThe ACT Labor Party is generally considered progressive when it comes to cannabis decriminalisation, especially as one of their own members, Michael Pettersson, introduced the decriminalisation law.[15] After the Labor Government introduced various amendments to the bill, they supported it with their coalition partner, the ACT Greens.[16]
Greens
editThe Greens completely supported the bill introduced my Labor member, Michael Pettersson. In the ACT Greens policy platform, it is a goal of the Greens to "Legalise the production, sale, and use of cannabis and cannabis products for recreational use," "Defend and extend the decriminalisation of possession of drugs in quantities appropriate for personal use," and to expunge criminal records related to use, sale and cultivation of cannabis in illegal operations.[17]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Cannabis in the ACT: what you need to know - Alcohol and Drug Foundation". adf.org.au. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ adam (10 October 2022). "Is Hemp Oil Legal in Australia?". Premium Jane AU. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Australia, Healthdirect (23 June 2024). "Medicinal cannabis". www.healthdirect.gov.au. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Bartle, Jarryd; Bright, Stephen (27 January 2020). "ACT cannabis laws come into effect on Friday, but they may not be what you hoped for". The Conversation. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ "Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018". ACT Government. 28 November 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023: Cannabis in the NDSHS". Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 29 February 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ https://legalaidact.org.au/sites/default/files/files/publications/Cannabis_YLC_updated_16.09.2021.pdf
- ^ Treasury, ACT Government; PositionTitle=Director; SectionName=Corporate Management; Corporate=Chief Minister and (19 February 2020). "Home". Cannabis. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Part 1: High Times - Cannabis Laws in the ACT explained". Chamberlains Law Firm. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ "Canberra Liberals Cannabis Policy - Missing in Action". www.michaelpettersson.com.au. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Policy Platform". www.actlabor.org.au. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Cannabis Law Reform | ACT Greens". The ACT Greens. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/canberra-star/canberra-liberals-would-rescind-controversial-cannabis-laws/news-story/45e67cb0562e6628a7ba3d0e4413946c
- ^ "'These were issues they fought bitterly over': Canberra Liberals say cannabis and greyhound racing are not a priority anymore". ABC News. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "ACT legalises personal cannabis use but warns smokers they're not safe from federal laws". ABC News. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/legalising-personal-cannabis-use-an-interview-with-act-labor-mp-michael-pettersson/
- ^ https://greens.org.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/Full%20Policy%20Book%20%281%29.pdf