Should cannabis possession and personal use remain criminal offences in Australia, or should governments adopt a health-based approach?
In this short Australia Asks interview clip, David Ettershank MLC discusses cannabis decriminalisation, the limitations of prohibition and possible alternatives to Australia’s existing drug laws.
The discussion explores:
- Cannabis decriminalisation in Australia
- The difference between decriminalisation and legalisation
- Personal possession and cannabis use
- Criminal penalties and police enforcement
- Public health and harm reduction
- The ACT’s approach to cannabis reform
- Regulation of the cannabis market
- The effects of criminal records on individuals
- Organised crime and the illegal cannabis market
- Medicinal cannabis patients
- Evidence-based drug policy
- Possible reforms in Victoria and nationally
Decriminalisation generally removes or reduces criminal penalties for personal possession without necessarily creating a legal, regulated market. Legalisation goes further by establishing rules governing cannabis production, distribution, sale and consumption.
David Ettershank is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing the Western Metropolitan Region for Legalise Cannabis Victoria.
Should Australia decriminalise cannabis, establish a regulated legal market or retain the existing laws? Share your opinion in the comments.
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