The government of the Australian state of Victoria has been open to discussions on the decriminalization of personal use of cannabis, raising the possibility of substantial reform of drug laws.
This announcement follows the rejection of a bill by MPs from the Legalize Cannabis party, which proposed the legalization of the personal use of cannabis by adults and the cultivation of up to six plants. Despite this rejection, the government has expressed its willingness to continue discussions, recognizing both the benefits and risks associated with such a proposal.
Ingrid Stitt, Minister of Mental Health, quoted by The Age, said: “Labor saw benefits in the proposal, but also risks.” A position that opens the way for a nuanced exploration of multiple perspectives on the decriminalization of cannabis in Victoria.
The proposal to legalize cannabis
The party’s proposal Legalize Cannabis sought to provide a health response to cannabis consumption, emphasizing a three-step approach towards comprehensive market regulation. The original bill allowed adults to possess small amounts for personal use and to grow up to six plants. Cannabis can be donated, but not sold, and a designated caregiver can cultivate on behalf of others. However, offenses such as drink-driving, supplying to children and smoking in public would remain.
David Ettershank, Legalize Cannabis, said: “We have this bizarre situation in the state of Victoria, where there is an illicit market worth at least $1.2 billion a year… Why? »
The party says state resources could be redirected from enforcing cannabis laws to health and education initiatives, in addition to the potential to generate revenue through taxation in a legal and regulated market.
Rejection but openness of the government
Although it rejected the bill in its current form, the government has been open to continuing discussions. Prime Minister Jacinta Allan clarified that discussions with Legalize Cannabis would continue, but that no policy changes were immediately planned. The statement marks a departure from the previous government’s staunch opposition to any changes to drug laws relating to cannabis.
Rachel Payne, Legalize Cannabissaid: “I want the Victorian Premier to be courageous in her response to this bill and end the injustices faced by the tens of thousands of adults who use cannabis in this State “.
The deputies of Crossbench, including the Libertarians’ David Limbrick, view the cannabis legalization plan as more moderate than desired. However, David Ettershank defends the proposal as “modest and common sense”, calling for the removal of an “antiquated 95-year-old prohibition”.
Sione Crawford, Managing Director of Harm Reduction Victoria, suggests that decriminalization could reduce stigma and improve the likelihood that individuals will seek help for their cannabis use. A report from thePennington Institute reveals that 37% of Australians over the age of 14 have used cannabis, and a 2019 survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that the public is increasingly supportive of legalization.
Consumption at the top of the state
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas supports a health-based response to cannabis, expressing his personal belief that cannabis use should not be a crime. He actually admitted to using cannabis when asked for his personal opinion on legalization in the state.
“I don’t think a criminal approach is best. A health approach would be best. »
Prime Minister Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto have also admitted to using cannabis in the past.
