Voters in the Australian State of Victoria may get a chance to decide on a non-binding adult-use cannabis legalization proposal. The Cannabis Legalisation Plebiscite Bill 2026, which is set to be debated in the upper house this week, would ask voters “yes or no” on whether they support legalizing cannabis for personal use, possession, and home cultivation by adults.

“Legalise Cannabis Victoria is spearheading the push, arguing it’s time to cut through years of political inaction and let the public have the final say.” reported the Herald Sun in its original coverage. “Under the proposal, the plebiscite would be non-binding — meaning while it wouldn’t force an automatic change to the law, it would send an unmistakeable message to the government about where public opinion truly sits.”

“‘Most Victorians I speak to feel as though the government isn’t responding to what the community wants — that they are out of touch. By allowing Victorians to have their say through a plebiscite, we can get on with what the community wants and get government to act.” stated Legalise Cannabis leader Rachel Payne, according to the outlet.

David Ettershank, Legalise Cannabis MP for Western Metropolitan Region, introduced the Cannabis Legalisation Plebiscite Bill in the Victorian Parliament. In his speech, Mr. Ettershank argued that cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy that has caused significant social harm while doing little to reduce cannabis use. MP Ettershank pointed to the cannabis policy in the Australian Capital Territory, where adults can possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to 2 plants in their private residences.

If voters do get to decide on the measure, and if they do approve it, it will not automatically change cannabis laws in Victoria. However, it would increase the pressure on lawmakers to modernize Victoria’s cannabis policies, especially if the vote results in a big majority of voters approving the measure.

An example of that happening can be found in Slovenia, where voters overwhelmingly approved a non-binding medical cannabis legalization measure, followed by lawmakers carrying out the will of the voters. Only time will tell if that proves to be the case in Victoria.