Australian lawmakers are preparing to vote on a landmark bill that would legalize marijuana for adult use, marking a potential turning point in the nation’s cannabis policy.
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The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Sen.
David Shoebridge of the Greens party, is scheduled for a parliamentary vote on November 27, 2024. If passed, the bill would legalize and regulate cannabis at the federal level, a move that supporters argue could modernize Australia’s drug laws and boost its economy.
Key Features of the Proposal
Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA):
The bill would establish CANA to oversee licensing, regulation, and a national register of cannabis strains.
Personal Use and Cultivation:
Adults could legally grow cannabis at home and process edibles for personal use.
Cannabis Cafes:
Social consumption sites would be permitted, allowing adults to use cannabis in designated establishments.
Taxation:
The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates potential tax revenue of $28.2 billion (15% tax rate) to $36.8 billion (25% tax rate) over 10 years.
Safeguards Against Corporate Domination:
The Greens emphasize preventing big alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries from monopolizing the cannabis market, instead favoring local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Advocates’ Arguments
Supporters argue that the bill represents a progressive shift away from criminalizing cannabis use, which they say has disproportionately harmed communities and fueled organized crime. Legalization would redirect billions from illicit markets into a regulated industry, generating significant tax revenue and economic benefits.
“The world is rapidly moving away from the damaging criminal and policing approach to cannabis,” the Greens stated in a report. The party also highlights its position of influence in the Senate as a key opportunity for change.
Opposition and Concerns
The bill faces resistance from the Liberal Party and other lawmakers who cite potential health risks and increased cannabis consumption as reasons for caution. A Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee report in May recommended rejecting the bill, warning that legalization could exacerbate mental health issues, particularly among young people.
Health Concerns:
Critics point to survey data suggesting that over a million additional Australians might try cannabis if it became legal, which they argue could lead to “potentially disastrous” health outcomes.
Policy Uncertainty:
Opponents stress that public understanding of cannabis’s health risks is limited and worry about the long-term effects of widespread use.
Broader Context
While cannabis remains federally illegal outside of a restricted medical program, some jurisdictions, such as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), have implemented local reforms. For example:
In the ACT, possession of small amounts of cannabis and other drugs was decriminalized in 2023.
At the national level, the government has rescheduled psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic use, indicating a growing openness to drug policy reform.
Outlook
With the Greens holding 11 of 76 Senate seats, the party’s ability to secure broader support will be critical. Advocates are optimistic, framing this as the best opportunity yet to advance legalization.
What’s Next
The vote on November 27 could set a new precedent for cannabis reform in Australia. If successful, it would align the country with other nations that have embraced legalization, such as Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the U.S. Whether the bill passes or not, it has already reignited national debate on how Australia approaches drug policy in the 21st century.
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