Leaders from three states in Australia – Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia – introduced bills simultaneously on June 20 to promote the regulation of adult cannabis.
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law in Australia, although a growing number of cities and states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis.
Rachel Payne, MP for the State of Victoria, Jeremy Buckingham, MP for the State of New South Wales, and Brian Walker, MP for the State of Western Australia, introduced a bill to their respective parliaments in three parts that would end the prohibition of cannabis in these states.
THE Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis Bill 2023 would allow adults who are legally in possession of cannabis to offer it to another adult in these jurisdictions. It would only allow people aged 18 and over to have access and would not change the offense of selling cannabis.
The proposed legislation would allow adults to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis at home, similar to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) bill that came into force in 2020.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly has passed historic measures, clearing the way for the possession and cultivation of cannabis by people aged 18 and over from January 31, 2020. The ACT was the first state or territory in the country to legalize cannabis for adult use and plans to further decriminalize the drugs.
Reaction of the deputies of Legalize Cannabis
Several party deputies Legalize Cannabis applauded the bill’s announcement and said they were simply doing what their constituents wanted.
David Ettershank, MP for the state of Victoria, told ABC Radio Melbourne that Australians agree it is time to reform cannabis laws. “The majority of Victorians support cannabis regulation and a large number of them use cannabis regularly,” he said.
Jeremy Buckingham, MP for Legalize Cannabis Party NSW and former Greens MP, said it was the first coordinated attempt to legalize cannabis in the country.
“The bill will allow households to grow up to six plants, give and share that cannabis, and trade in the seeds,” Buckingham said.
“The Greens and Liberal Democrats already support our move…and now is the time for Labor to take action in WA, Victoria, NSW and nationally,” he added.
Rachel Payne, MP for Legalize Cannabis Victoria, said the bill would put state governments “on the right side of history when it comes to cannabis law reform.”
