The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) welcomes the Legal and Social Issues Committee report following its Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.
The report confirms the feedback and expert views on the Bill that was initially proposed by Legalise Cannabis Victoria in 2023.
The recommendations call for a modest change to the legal landscape as it relates to the personal use of cannabis, in line with an increasingly pragmatic and evidence-based approach towards decriminalising cannabis use around the world.
There are a number of additional recommendations made by the Committee including a five-year review of any change to legislation, the expungement of certain historical cannabis related convictions and a review of current drug diversion programs for young people as to their suitability, which VAADA welcomes.
The report reflects on the ACT’s experience of decimalising cannabis consumption for personal use, where the evidence shows that cannabis consumption remains below the national average, and where there has been a significant reduction in cannabis related offences recorded since decriminalisation, with no increase in adverse health related issues.
Chris Christoforou, CEO of VAADA says, ‘this report takes a common sense approach to cannabis law reform. It builds on a long history of similar recommendations dating back to the Penington Report on drugs in Victoria, which recommended the decriminalisation of cannabis in 1996.
‘Now more than ever, when we are grappling with a range of systemic and fiscal pressures, continuing to divert scarce resources away from persecuting people for the personal use of cannabis makes sense.
The 1 in 10 Victorians who have consumed cannabis in the last year should not face the risk of being charged and dragged into the overburdened justice system just because of laws that are no longer in line with community expectations.
‘VAADA supports cannabis law reform finally being delivered in Victoria.’
For more information or to arrange an interview please get in touch with David Taylor on 0413 914 206.
VAADA is the peak body that represents over 80 Alcohol and other Drug services across Victoria. These services deal with the effects of harmful alcohol and other drug consumption daily.
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