Australia Cannabis News
The legislature of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has just passed a new bill that legalizes possessing and growing cannabis for personal use. This groundbreaking decision is a significant shift in drug policy in Australia, where cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, but is also notable globally, as few other developed countries have implemented similar measures.
The new law allows individuals over the age of 18 to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and grow up to two plants. That being said, sharing cannabis with others is still prohibited, and smoking in public places is still considered a criminal offense. Additionally, it should be noted that the new law does not provide any protection for those who consume cannabis while driving, and there is still a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug-impaired driving.
The bill was introduced by the ACT’s Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, who argued that the legislation represents a progressive step in addressing the harms that come from the criminalization of drug use. He also acknowledged that the bill is a direct challenge to the federal government’s strict drug policies, but expressed hope that other state and territory leaders would follow suit.
The issue of drug policy is a divisive one, with many people on both sides of the argument. Some have raised concerns that drug use will increase as a result of the new law, and that it could become difficult to regulate the legal cannabis market. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that drug policies that criminalize cannabis possession are ineffective and unfairly penalize individuals for minor offenses.
What is clear is that the ACT’s new legislation is a significant modification of Australia’s current drug policy, and it will likely have far-reaching implications for other states and territories in the country. It represents a shift towards more progressive policies on drug use, and it is expected to spark further debates and discussions about drug policy in Australia and beyond. For now, the ACT’s experiment with legalized personal cannabis use will serve as a test case for the efficacy and impact of such policies, and the eyes of the world will be watching to see how it plays out.
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