Background

One of the recommendations and agreed outcomes of the 2001 Community Drug Summit was the review and amendment of the legislation relating to the penalties associated with the possession and use of small quantities of cannabis to a scheme of prohibition with civil penalties. The Cannabis Control Bill 2003 was developed by a Ministerial Working Party and was passed in Parliament on 24 September 2003. The resultant Cannabis Control Act 2003 changed the penalties associated with cultivation, sale, supply, possession and use of cannabis.

The Cannabis Control Act 2003 only applies to people over the age of 18 years. The Young Offenders Act 1994 continues to apply to juveniles.

Another recommendation of the Community Drug Summit was that the changes to the legislation be accompanied by an education program to ensure that the general community is educated about the nature and implications of the changes, that cannabis remains unlawful because it is harmful, and that they are aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use.