Morgan BellMarijuana Laws in Australia
May 19th 2009 07:56
State by state:
VICTORIA
Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence, but first or second-time offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.
NSW
Possession is criminal, but with less than 15 grams, offenders can receive up to two cautions.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Government plans to decriminalise possession of up to 30 grams or up to two non-hydroponic plants, but $200 fines will apply. First-time offenders are now cautioned.
QUEENSLAND
Possession is criminal, but adults may be cautioned.
ACT
Possession of up to 25 grams, or five plants, is not a criminal offence but carries a $100 fine.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Possession by adults of not more than 100 grams or one non-hydroponic plant is not criminal but carries fines of up to $150.
TASMANIA
Possession is criminal, but offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Possession by adults of up to 50 grams or two plants is not criminal, but carries a fine of $100.
National Drug Research Institute - May 23rd, 2003
Cannabis Cautioning Scheme in NSW
On 3 April 2000, the NSW Government introduced the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme. Under this scheme, police can issue a caution to adults in possession of up to 15g of cannabis leaf (about enough for 15-25 joints). A Caution provides a warning of the health and legal consequences of using cannabis and information on where to seek treatment.
This scheme does not mean that cannabis is now legal or decriminalised. Rather that police have the discretion to issue a caution for small amounts of cannabis. At all times police retain the option of charging people for these offences.
In NSW, if you are found guilty of possessing or using cannabis, you could get a fine of up to $2,200, and/or other penalties including community service work or a term in prison of up to 2 years.
These penalties apply to both adults and young people aged between 10 and 18 years. For growing, importing or selling cannabis, the penalties are more severe. The severity of the penalty depends on the amount of cannabis, if it was being sold, and if you have prior convictions.
You are breaking the law if you possess, use, grow, import or sell cannabis (marijuana), cannabis resin (hash) or hash oil. You may get a criminal record if you are found guilty of possessing, selling or growing cannabis. This makes it hard to get a job, a credit card, or a visa to travel to other countries.
Download a helpful brochure from NSW Police HERE
VICTORIA
Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence, but first or second-time offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.
NSW
Possession is criminal, but with less than 15 grams, offenders can receive up to two cautions.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Government plans to decriminalise possession of up to 30 grams or up to two non-hydroponic plants, but $200 fines will apply. First-time offenders are now cautioned.
QUEENSLAND
Possession is criminal, but adults may be cautioned.
ACT
Possession of up to 25 grams, or five plants, is not a criminal offence but carries a $100 fine.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Possession by adults of not more than 100 grams or one non-hydroponic plant is not criminal but carries fines of up to $150.
TASMANIA
Possession is criminal, but offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Possession by adults of up to 50 grams or two plants is not criminal, but carries a fine of $100.
National Drug Research Institute - May 23rd, 2003
Cannabis Cautioning Scheme in NSW
On 3 April 2000, the NSW Government introduced the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme. Under this scheme, police can issue a caution to adults in possession of up to 15g of cannabis leaf (about enough for 15-25 joints). A Caution provides a warning of the health and legal consequences of using cannabis and information on where to seek treatment.
This scheme does not mean that cannabis is now legal or decriminalised. Rather that police have the discretion to issue a caution for small amounts of cannabis. At all times police retain the option of charging people for these offences.
In NSW, if you are found guilty of possessing or using cannabis, you could get a fine of up to $2,200, and/or other penalties including community service work or a term in prison of up to 2 years.
These penalties apply to both adults and young people aged between 10 and 18 years. For growing, importing or selling cannabis, the penalties are more severe. The severity of the penalty depends on the amount of cannabis, if it was being sold, and if you have prior convictions.
You are breaking the law if you possess, use, grow, import or sell cannabis (marijuana), cannabis resin (hash) or hash oil. You may get a criminal record if you are found guilty of possessing, selling or growing cannabis. This makes it hard to get a job, a credit card, or a visa to travel to other countries.
Download a helpful brochure from NSW Police HERE
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Comment by Janet Collins
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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yeah no wonder so many people take short breaks to Canberra, theyve got the porn, the fireworks, AND the pot haha
it seems like one of those things where there are laws that are rarely enforced
Comment by Jason King
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It maybe time for a trip to Canberra
Comment by Morgan Bell
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ill pack the car and pick you up in halfa lol
im surprised the federal government hasnt ordered the states to decriminalise it so they can tax it
perhaps thats the next step after the cautioning schemes succeed?
tally ho . . .
Comment by Wilson Pon
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I can be sure about one thing here that I'm not a fan of this Marijuana stuff! lol
Comment by Jason King
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I always thought they should make ciggies illegal, make alcohol an only in your own premises drug and mary jane legal. They could make so much money and then if pubs were all pot places there would be no fighting, and a happy peaceful society.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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yeah SA, WA, and the ACT are the most lenient
even if you dont support recreational use, i notice many people now acknowledge the health benefits for people suffering chronic pain or nausea
they test for marijuana use on the roads and in many workplaces now, being stoned is considered as irresponsible as being drunk when you are operating heavy machinery or vehicles
i think marijuana is becoming more and more mainstream
hi Jason,
wow imagine the serenity of going to a "pot bar" haha
compared to alcohol, i agree alcohol is the more aggressive drug, it causes some people to fly of the handle unprovoked, and we have known for a long time its one of the major contributing cause in domestic abuse and road fatalities
funny how was tolerate some things and not others
not that i want my booze taken off me, just saying
Comment by Someone
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My friend has been to one in Amsterdam. Apparently, it's the coolest place on the entire planet.
I wrote an essay on the economics of drugs in Australia around a week ago. I'll put it up if anyone's interested. Agreed though, tax is undoubtedly the way forward.
How do I know so much on this subject? What, me, a stoner? Never!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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so QLD has come more into line with NSW?
is it still criminal with the option for the police to caution?
i would love to see your essay, please post the link here and i will check it out!
stoners rock the kazbar haha
Comment by Someone
Evil Pleasures
Random Musings on Life, Love and Everything
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I put that essay up Right around here.