The government of the state of Victoria (Australia) is open to the decriminalization of cannabis

The government of the Australian state of Victoria has shown openness to discussions about the decriminalization of personal cannabis use, hinting at the possibility of substantial reform to drug laws.

This announcement follows the rejection of a bill by the Legalise Cannabis party's deputies, Who proposed the legalization of personal cannabis use by adults and the cultivation of a maximum of six plants. Despite this rejection, the government expressed its willingness to continue discussions, acknowledging both the benefits and risks associated with such a proposal.

Ingrid Stitt, Minister of Mental Health, quoted by The Age, stated, «Labor has seen benefits in the proposal, but also risks.» A position that paves the way for a nuanced exploration of multiple perspectives on the decriminalization of cannabis in the state of Victoria.

The proposal to legalize cannabis

The party's proposal Legalise Cannabis This sought to bring a health response to cannabis consumption, emphasizing a three-step approach toward full market regulation. The initial bill would allow adults to possess small amounts for personal use and grow up to six plants. Cannabis could be gifted but not sold, and a designated caregiver could grow on behalf of others. However, offenses such as impaired driving, supplying to children, and public smoking would remain.

David Ettershank, of Legalise Cannabis, stated, «We have this bizarre situation in Victoria, where there's an illicit market worth at least $1.2 billion a year... Why?»

The party claims that state resources could be redirected from cannabis law enforcement to health and education initiatives, in addition to the potential for revenue generation through taxation in a legal and regulated market.

Rejection but government opening

Although it rejected the bill in its current form, the government has shown itself open to further discussions. Prime Minister Jacinta Allan clarified that discussions with Legalise Cannabis would continue, but no immediate policy changes were planned. This statement marks a turn from the previous government's staunch opposition to any changes in drug legislation concerning cannabis.

Rachel Payne, from Legalise Cannabis, stated: «I want the Premier of Victoria to show courage in her response to this bill and end the injustices faced by tens of thousands of adults who use cannabis in this state.».

The deputies of the Crossbench, including David Limbrick of the Libertarians, consider the cannabis legalization plan to be more moderate than desired. However, David Ettershank defends the proposal as «sensible and sensible,» calling for the repeal of a «dated 95-year-old prohibition.».

Sione Crawford, General Manager 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 the’Pennington Institute reveals that 37.1% of Australians aged 14 and older have used cannabis, and a 2019 survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that public support for legalization is growing.

Consumption at the state's peak

Victoria's Treasurer, Tim Pallas, supports a health-based response to cannabis, expressing his personal belief that cannabis use should not be a crime. He also admitted to using cannabis when asked for his personal opinion on legalization in the state.

«I don't think a criminal approach is the best. A health approach would be the best.»

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto have also admitted to having consumed cannabis in the past.