This guide will provide an overview of Australian cannabis laws. Laws vary from country to country and this article discusses the various views on cannabis.
The History of Cannabis in Australia
Cannabis has been used in Australia for centuries, and its history can be traced back to the arrival of the first Europeans.
The first mention of cannabis in Australian records dates back to 1819, when it was noted that a convict on Norfolk Island had smoked cannabis. By the early 1830s, cannabis was being grown throughout Australia for use as an intoxicant and as a medicinal plant.
In 1839, Australian authorities began to prosecute individuals for growing and using cannabis, and by 1850, the cultivation and use of cannabis had become punishable by law.
In 1907, the Australian government passed the Opium Act, which criminalized the possession and use of opium and other narcotics.
This law led to increased enforcement of laws against cannabis cultivation and use, and by 1930, cannabis had been classified as a Schedule I drug under Australian law.
In 1988, following the recommendations of a government commission on drug abuse, Cannabis was reclassified as a Schedule II drug under Australian law. This change allowed for more research into its potential medical benefits, and it also allowed for the cultivation of cannabis for scientific purposes.
Today, Cannabis is legal for medical use in Australia, but its recreational use is still prohibited by law.
Federal Australian Cannabis Laws
The federal government has not yet introduced any legislation specific to cannabis, though various states have differing laws in place. The following is a general overview of federal Australian cannabis laws.
In early 2019, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) released a public statement reiterating that they will continue to enforce the law regardless of any changes to state laws.
Under Australian law, possessing or cultivating cannabis is illegal. However, this law is largely unenforced and people are generally able to possess small quantities for personal use.
There is no legal market for cannabis products in Australia.
In May 2019, the Australian Senate passed the Commonwealth Cannabis Legislation Amendment Bill which allows for the cultivation, research, and clinical trials of cannabis products.
The bill has yet to be passed by the House of Representatives. If it does become law, it will be the first piece of federal legislation specific to cannabis in Australia.
State and Territory Laws Regarding Cannabis
Each state and territory in Australia has its own set of cannabis laws, which can vary significantly from one another.
The following is a general overview of state Australian cannabis laws:
Australian Capital Territory
If you’re looking for complete, up-to-date information on cannabis laws in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), your search is over!
This comprehensive blog outlines all of the relevant cannabis laws in the ACT, from cultivation to consumption.
Whether you’re a recreational user looking to get stoned legally or a medical marijuana patient needing guidance on how to get the best results from your prescription, this guide has you covered.
Curious about the local legality of cannabis products in other Australian states?
Check out our state-by-state overview of cannabis laws to get an idea of what’s permissible where you live.
South Australia
Cannabis in South Australia is regulated by the Drug and Alcohol Act 1958. The following are the key points to know about cannabis in South Australia:
Possessing cannabis is illegal, with a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a $2000 fine.
Fines for cultivating cannabis are also substantial, with a maximum penalty of $5000.
The sale of cannabis is only legal if it is for medical or recreational use. The sale of cannabis products for other purposes (such as children’s toys) is illegal.
The possession and use of cannabis oil is currently legal, although this may change as the SA government reviews its laws around marijuana.
Northern Territory
Since the Northern Territory is an Australian territory, its cannabis laws are identical to those of the Australian mainland. The only difference is that cannabis is not legal for recreational use in the NT. However, it is legal for medicinal purposes.
The NT has a number of cannabis cultivation laws. The maximum amount of cannabis that can be grown in a private property is 100 plants, with a limit of 200 plants per person. Cannabis can also be grown in designated areas for research purposes.
The NT also has some unique cannabis laws. For example, it is illegal to possess or use cannabis in public places, except in designated areas. Additionally, it is illegal to sell or supply cannabis to someone under the age of 18 years old.
Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the states in Australia that has not passed any form of cannabis law. As such, the laws in Tasmania regarding cannabis are still largely unknown. However, based on the information that is currently available, it seems that cannabis possession and/or use will likely be legalised in Tasmania in the near future.
This Complete Guide to Australian Cannabis Laws article will provide a detailed overview of the current cannabis laws in Tasmania, as well as outlining some potential implications of those laws becoming fully operational. In addition, the article will also provide a few tips on how to avoid getting caught up in the legal mess surrounding cannabis in Tasmania.
Cannabis possession and/or use will likely be legalised in Tasmania within the next few years.
There are a number of reasons why cannabis possession and/or use may soon become legal in Tasmania.
First and foremost, both the Tasmanian Liberal Party and the Tasmanian Labor Party have voiced support for legalising cannabis.
Secondly, there is strong public support for legalising cannabis – recent polls have indicated that upwards of two-thirds of Tasmanians support legalisation (64% according to one survey, and 72% according to another). Finally, legalization would
New South Wales
The state of New South Wales has some of the most lenient cannabis laws in Australia.
Cannabis is legally available to adults over the age of 18 and can be purchased from licensed retailers. The state also allows for the cultivation of up to four plants per household.
Despite these relaxed laws, there are still a few things you need to know if you’re travelling to or living in New South Wales.
For example, using cannabis in public is still illegal, and anyone caught doing so could face a fine of up to $2,200.
If you’re looking for information on how to consume cannabis legally in New South Wales, we recommend checking out our complete guide to Australian cannabis laws.
Queensland
When traveling to Queensland, it is important to be aware of the state’s cannabis laws. This Complete Guide will outline all of the relevant information you need to know about the state’s cannabis laws.
Cannabis is currently legal for recreational use in Queensland, as well as medicinal use. Although there are some restrictions on where cannabis can be used and for what purposes, the state has enacted a number of measures designed to prevent criminals from benefiting from the drug. In addition, businesses that distribute or sell cannabis must comply with strict regulations set by the State Government.
If you are traveling to Queensland and intend to use cannabis, it is important to be aware of the state’s regulations.
For example, you cannot smoke cannabis in public places, and young people under 25 years old are not allowed to possess or purchase cannabis products.
If you do not comply with Queensland’s cannabis laws, you may face criminal penalties.
Western Australia
Australia’s Western Australia has some of the most relaxed cannabis laws in the country.
Adults over 18 can legally possess up to 10 grams of cannabis for personal use and cultivation is allowed for those over 18, with a maximum limit of 500 plants.
Cannabis products are not currently legal in WA, but legislation to legalize them is expected to pass in the next few months.
Cannabis can also be used for medical purposes in WA, with patients required to obtain a license from the state health department.
The license allows for the possession and use of cannabis products for medical purposes only.
There is no limit on the number of licenses that can be issued, and patients are not required to live in Perth or any other specific area.
Uses of Cannabis in Australia
Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for centuries, and is now widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions.
In Australia, cannabis is classified as a Schedule 8 drug, which means that it is a controlled substance.
This means that cannabis can only be used in medical circumstances and must be sourced from an approved supplier.
There are a number of different ways that cannabis can be used in Australia, including:
- As a medication: Cannabis can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
- As an extract: Cannabis oil can be used to treat various medical conditions.
- As a topical product: Topical products such as creams and ointments can be used to treat various skin conditions.
Where to Buy Cannabis Seeds in Aussie aka OZ
If you’re looking to buy cannabis seeds in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. Here we will outline the various ways you can buy cannabis seeds in Australia, as well as the different laws that apply.
We will also provide some tips on how to avoid getting caught with cannabis seeds in your possession.
There are a few places where you can buy cannabis seeds in Australia.
One option is to find a local headshop.
These stores usually carry a broad range of products, including cannabis seeds. Some headshops also offer free delivery within a certain radius.
Another option is to search online.
Many online retailers offer free shipping worldwide, and some also offer discounts if you purchase a bulk amount of seeds.
Make sure to read the product description carefully before making a purchase, as some online retailers only sell strains that are approved for use in Australia.
What are the Different Laws that applyto Cannabis Seeds in Aussie?
Cannabis seeds are technically illegal in Australia, although this law is rarely enforced. In theory, you could be arrested for possessing cannabis seeds if you are caught with them in your possession.