Parliamentary hearing examining whether cannabis should be legalised in Australia
A parliamentary hearing is set to examine whether cannabis should be legalised in Australia.
A Senate inquiry will hold its first round of hearings in Brisbane on Wednesday, looking at the potential legalisation of cannabis for adult recreational use.
The inquiry was prompted by a bill introduced to the upper house in 2023 by Greens senator David Shoebridge, which would allow for the possession of cannabis.
The bill would also set up a national agency that would register cannabis strains and regulate people able to grow the plant, as well as the operation of cannabis cafes.
A Senate inquiry is looking into whether cannabis should be made legal for recreational use
The first round of hearings will include appearances from the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Lawyers Alliance, drug law reform advocates as well as officials from government departments.
In its submission to the inquiry, the medical peak body hit out at the proposal to legalise recreational use of cannabis but said its regulation for therapeutic use could be improved.
'The AMA believes that if cannabis was legalised for recreational purposes, it would indicate to the public that cannabis use is not harmful,' the submission said.
'The AMA is concerned that people may self-medicate using cannabis products ... for therapeutic purposes without consultation with their medical practitioner.'
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform said the decriminalisation of cannabis use could pave the way for better regulation of the drug going forward.
'Moving to a regulated system reduces the need to participate in the illegal production and supply of cannabis and can reduce the harm of maximum prohibition,' the organisation's inquiry submission said.
'It is time to control these substances more effectively without adding to harm that they may cause to the people who use them.'
The Department of Home Affairs, which will appear before the inquiry on Wednesday, said it had multiple concerns with the cannabis proposal.
Its submission said the proposed laws would have the ability to override customs laws.
'(The bill) will have significant operational and funding impacts for the department,' the submission said.
'Decisions would be required across government as to how existing laws and processes for controlling cannabis at the border would be altered.'
