The Victorian Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee is currently seeking input on the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023. This Bill proposes significant changes to how cannabis is regulated in Victoria, including provisions for the legal cultivation, possession, and personal use of cannabis by adults over the age of 18.

AMA Victoria will be making a submission to this inquiry (terms of reference available here), and we invite our members to share their views to shape our response. While AMA Federal has articulated its opposition to the legalisation of recreational cannabis (while supporting decriminalisation), expressing concern that such measures could normalise its use and lead to harmful health and societal impacts, AMA Victoria is keen to hear directly from Victorian members as we prepare our submission.

About the Bill

The proposed legislation introduces several key changes to the regulation of cannabis in Victoria:

• Personal Cultivation: Adults may grow up to six cannabis plants at their primary residence, with a maximum of six plants per residence regardless of the number of occupants.
• Manufacture for Personal Use: Legalises preparing cannabis for personal consumption, such as making edibles.
• Possession and Use: Adults may possess small quantities of cannabis and THC, provided use occurs in private. Public use remains prohibited.
• Gifting: Adults may gift small amounts of cannabis or THC to other adults without payment or compensation.
• Equipment and Information: Legalises possession of cultivation equipment and the sharing of cultivation information for personal use, excluding trafficking-related content.
• Landlord Permissions: Allows property owners to permit tenants to cultivate cannabis within the limits set by the Bill.

The Bill amends existing laws to authorise these activities for adults while retaining penalties for underage use and activities beyond the prescribed limits.

Have your say

AMA Victoria is keen to hear your thoughts on the Bill’s provisions and their potential implications for health, society, and regulation. Your feedback will be important in shaping AMA Victoria’s response.

Submission guidelines

• Members who wish to contribute can send their views to Senior Policy Adviser, Lewis Horton, at [email protected].
• Please send your input by Monday 9 December 2024 to allow time for consideration in our submission.

Your expertise and insights are vital to ensuring AMA Victoria’s submission reflects the concerns and perspectives of our members. We look forward to your contributions.