If the Greens get their way, we could one day be treating weed like it’s alcohol:
Legal for over 18s, in a tightly regulated market and penalties for rule-breakers. You’ll also be able to grow up to six plants for your own personal use.
The Greens says selling cannabis on the black market is dangerous for users, criminal records are a way too heavy punishment, and the police resources could be better employed elsewhere.
But critics say full legalisation as opposed to decriminalisation, where the punishments are just lessened is too radical.
"The open slather on marijuana is dangerous and medically irresponsible." - Greg Hunt
Globally around 30 countries have decriminalised the recreational use of the drug. Complete legalisation of cannabis would align Australia with countries such as Spain and Uruguay as well as 9 states in the U.S.
In California alone it’s expected to raise billions in revenue over the next year, and according to one study it’s crippling drug crimes in the state.
Given both Labor and the Coalition generally support medicinal marijuana use, it’s highly unlikely we’ll back track but is it time to roll forward to completely legalise the drug?
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