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Summary of Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Infringement) Amendment Bill

Nandor Tanczos MP

19 Jul 2005
Subjects: Drug Law Reform, Health, Justice

Spokesperson: 
Green Party Drug Law Reform Spokesperson
Go to Nandor's Press Release on this subject.

Go to Questions & Answers on the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Infringement) Amendment Bill.

Go to 'What others have said about an instant fines regime'.

Go to the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Infringement) Amendment Bill.

The Bill creates a new approach to cannabis. Adults who use cannabis will get an instant fine rather than the disproportionate punishment of criminal conviction. New provisions will strengthen protections for under-18s.

Key Features:

  • People over 18 with up to 28g of cannabis or 5g of cannabis preparation will get a $100 instant fine, rather than a criminal record.
  • Adults growing up to five small plants at home will get a $100 instant fine, rather than a criminal record, unless there is evidence of selling.
  • Under-18s found with cannabis will get a fine and also be referred to an approved drug education provider. THIS IS AN ADDITION TO EXISTING PROVISIONS.
  • Anyone smoking or cultivating cannabis within 100m of a school or other area mostly used by under 18s will get a $500 instant fine. THIS IS AN ADDITION TO EXISTING PROVISIONS.
  • Cannabis is covered by the Smokefree Environments Act.
  • Selling any amount of cannabis will remain illegal and subject to the same penalties as at present
  • Possession of more that 28g of dried plant or 5g of cannabis preparation remains illegal and subject to the same penalties as at present.
  • Revenue gathered from cannabis infringement fines would be earmarked to fund drug education and drug treatment provision.