Australian Government Report Recommends Cannabis Reform

A government committee in Victoria, Australia is recommending that personal cannabis cultivation and possession be decriminalized in the jurisdiction. The recommendation is similar to the public policy approach that is already in place in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The cross-party parliamentary group in Victoria is an eight-member council focused on legal and social issues. The committee concluded that the local government should “draw on the experience of the ACT” and adopt a “new approach” to cannabis policy.

“This Report from the Legal and Social Issues Committee examines a Bill introduced in the Legislative Council by the Legalise Cannabis Party, to regulate the personal use of cannabis in Victoria.” stated the report titled Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.

“During this Inquiry, the Committee engaged with stakeholders through submissions and consultations. It visited Canberra on 11 February 2025 to better understand the impact of the ACT’s Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Act 2019. The Committee also spoke with a range of stakeholders at a public hearing on 14 February 2025.” the report also stated.

The report determined the following after examining the impact of cannabis policy modernization in the ACT:

• Stable cannabis use: Cannabis use rates have remained stable, with no significant increase since the reforms. ACT residents remain less likely to have used cannabis recently than the national average.
• Decrease in cannabis offences: Charges for cannabis offences and police diversions have declined significantly, reflecting the intended shift towards treating
  cannabis use as a health issue rather than a criminal justice matter.
• No increase in health issues: Cannabis‑related ambulance callouts and hospital admissions have shown no substantial changes since the Act’s implementation.

The 146-page report concluded by offering nine findings and seven recommendations for Victoria’s government to consider. The government now has six months to respond to the report.