Small amounts of cannabis are now legal in the ACT. File Photo.
In a development described as “an evolution, not a revolution”, possessing and growing small amounts of cannabis for personal use has now been legalised in the ACT, allowing Canberrans over 18 years of age to possess 50 grams of cannabis.
The ACT Legislative Assembly passed Labor backbencher Michael Pettersson’s bill on Wednesday afternoon (25 September) after a long day of debating amendments.
Individual possession of up to 50 grams of dry cannabis, 150 grams of fresh cannabis and two plants has now been legalised. Each household can grow a maximum of four plants.
However, possession of more than 50 grams of cannabis; the cultivation of more than four plants; artificial cultivation and selling or providing cannabis will all remain illegal. It remains illegal to smoke cannabis in a public place, or within 20 metres of a child.
“Right now in the ACT, most people caught with small amounts cannabis will receive a fine but some people receive a criminal charge,” Mr Petterson said. “This bill is just taking the next sensible step and removing the criminal charge”.
Mr Pettersson said the legislation’s passage was a victory for the community and reformers.
“This legislation will work to reduce the harm of drugs in our community by reducing the stigma of drug use and encouraging people to seek help without fear of arrest,” Mr Petterson said. “I don’t think anyone should have their life ruined by a criminal conviction for possessing small amounts of cannabis.
“Canada, South Africa, Uruguay and 11 US states have legalised cannabis, while New Zealand is expected to hold a referendum next year on the issue.
“Today, the ACT joins these progressive parts of the world in recognising the benefits brought by a harm minimisation approach and begins a new chapter in drug law reform in Australia.”
Despite cannabis possession now being legalised in the ACT, it still remains a criminal offence to cultivate or possess cannabis under Commonwealth legislation but Mr Pettersson said he does not expect people to face court on drug charges under Commonwealth law.
“Right now, police can choose to prosecute people underneath the Territory law or Commonwealth law,” he said. “That is a problem that exists right now.
“By removing possession offences under ACT law, we are evoking defences under Commonwealth law, which means possession excused or justified under territory law is provided with a complete defence.”
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said his party supported the bill because it was a significant step in a long journey of drug law reforms.
“The Greens believe that allowing adults in the ACT to possess and use cannabis would acknowledge the modern reality that many adults choose to use cannabis, and criminalising it causes more harm than good”, Mr Rattenbury said.
“Keeping cannabis use as an offence drives people away from getting help when they need it and can expose them to social and financial harms through the criminal justice system.
“While today’s Bill is an important step forward, there’s still work to be done to ensure that cannabis use is treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue.”
The Canberra Liberals did not support the bill, saying it would lead to “perverse outcomes” and will encourage more people to use cannabis.
Mr Petterson disagreed. “I don’t think more people will start using cannabis as a result of this bill,” he said. “Individuals right now can grow small amounts of cannabis under the decriminalisation model. This will change to legalisation. Most people are not going to see a real change.
“I want to be very clear: this bill does not legalise driving under the influence of drugs. It does not legalise supply. It legalises the possession of small amounts of cannabis.”
The new laws will come into effect on 31 January 2020 and will be reviewed within three years.
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In reply to Michael Attwell, it would be because four of the Liberal party members took a sickie and the Assembly has “pairs” for voting
It won't happen,Dutton is going to repeal the ACT legislation so our laws passed means nothing.
Steve Luby Canberra is now going to be called the weed capital of Australia (new nimbin) 🙄
Pretty sure Dutton (or whoever might decide to challenge it) would need the support of the House of Reps and the Senate in order to repeal it. Its not as simple as the revoking of our Euthanasia or Marriage equality laws was.
Well it is typical of the socialist territory of the ACT.
News said 10 for, 7 against, that leaves 8 that didnt vote, WHY.
Well it will be interesting to see what happens at the ANU?
You know the really funny thing is that if or when Chinese parents realise how drug soaked the ACT is, we will never get another Chinese student to study here. Look at what happened in the UK
The risks to the ACT economy are huge
This is utter nonsense,to legalize drugs and then you know where they'll end up ,on the streets getting sold by drug traffickers.....
Yes I agree for the oil to be Legal,for medical usage and by prescription only,but to be legally allowed to grow.....no it's wrong, then the next thing will be that someone's child is addicted to it, and then possibly then going to harder stuff because the high isn't enough,then the parents point the finger at the parliment for passing this nonsense because there child is addicted.....it goes on and on in a vicious circle.....
My view is no to legalizing it,only for medical reasons YES.....
Marijuana is a wondrous plant, a real gift from the gods.
Karl Varnsen if you really think so,🤔🤔
Small amounts? Pretty sure 104.7 said 50g
Depends what you bag up in. That like 1.5 ounce
Almost 2 lol
Nicholas Gray 3 grams is plenty.....
The population has to have a beginning so as to create some hope of a lesser government regulated life.
Just in time for the start of school term 2020! 👍
You can still lose your driving licence ,if you drive with it in your system ,like alcohol .Good thing about this law is it cuts out the dealers ,and people with severe illnesses can get CBD oil
Does CBD oil show in a roadside drug test? 🤔
Allison Jay I don’t know ,I know nothing about the oil only what I’ve seen and read that it is good for severe pain
Allison no.
CBS oil will not show as it doesn't get you high.
The shows in a road side drug test which Is what does get you high
You cant actually buy any, thats still illegal. But I am unsure about the oil, I have heard its legal before because it doesnt have the chemical that gets you high.
Nicholas in SA they only test for the for 5 hours vs the test used here in Australia.
Sam you can buy the oil in Australia and even here in canberra it's still a grey area of the law but their are definitely some shops here in canberra you can buy Cbd oil
Jesus Byrne Thats what I thought, I know though if the AFP arrest you for it, its a federal crime. but its an ACT police officer its up to their discretion.
Peggy Rose . Do you know if CBD oil will be freely available or will it require some form of approval / script ?
I’m sorry I have no idea ,I hope it will be freely available maybe some health food stores will have it
Peggy Rose most CBD oil will have very low levels of THC. Roadside drug tests will pick up very low levels of thc, way below the threshold for intoxication. So you can’t drive. I don’t believe this new law mentions hashish, oils, tinctures and othe extracts, so you are out of luck.
So we can get fined for walking across Northbourne Avenue but the government is helping people get stoned. Good to see they have their priorities straight.
Government is more concerning harassing old people who needs painkillers
Dale Ferguson cocaine next? 🤷🤷
Nathan Dunn can’t wait 😊
Don't come on my job stoned
Christopher Mawbey I’m not coming on anything
Its not so much legalised, as the discretion not to prosecute for possession has been expanded.
Andre Sphenis finally someone that has any idea. Thank u
No, it actually has been legalised.
Karl Varnsen well the ACT drugs of dependence act still refers to 50g or less of cannabis as an offence, albeit a simple cannabis offence, so I don’t see how.
How many people drive cars? If your drug reading shows up from when ever you last smoked some pot, then how do you drive your car without giving up pot?
Carl Ostermann think you’ve smoked enough for your lifetime
How do you know?
Two plants they say 🌱❤🤙👌
Pity it's not implemented in time for the Green Machine on Fri night!
Does this count as 1 plant?
Dan Rolfe that will do
Neil you should move over pal. Legal weed in Feb and a ton of carp in the main lake running through the city
Dan Rolfe hefty boi
The AFP may still decide to prosecute under the federal law and sharing a joint between mates will be classed as supply.
Yes, that's true. But ACT policing (the branch of the AFP contracted to handle policing in the ACT) have stated that they won't go after personal users specifically.
I dont think they have gone after personal users for the last 40 years but it was a nice standby for them.
Awesome news
Catherine Liška-Fox wasn't this the case a a few years back then they changed the law? Doing a full circle?
Lee-anne Robb it’s been able to have plant and smoke it for years.
Catherine Liška-Fox really so what is it that ACT have just introduced? I thought it was to grow 2 plants/person (max 4/household) and have a certain amount for personal use? Wasn't this allowed a few years back then the law changed but now it has changed back???
Maybe so our pollies can use without getting a criminal record 😂
Lee-anne Robb my understanding is the last time it changed it was decriminalised so while yes you could have two plants but you would get issued a fine/ticket. If you paid that before it was due you would not have a criminal conviction. I think this new law does away with that and if you have one or two plants for personal use then there is no fine.