An inquiry into a bill to decriminalise cannabis for personal use introduced into the Parliament of Victoria. This report considers the operation of similar legislative amendments in the ACT and other evidence on cannabis decriminalisation. It recommends a range of amendments to the Bill.

Key findings

• Cannabis use should be treated as a public health issue, with law reform guided by the principles of harm minimisation.
• All stakeholders agreed on the need to prevent children from accessing cannabis due to the risks of negative health and social outcomes.
• The proposed Bill is largely consistent with the ACT legislation and there have been many positive outcomes from the ACT approach.
• Drug testing services help reduce harms associated with drug use.

Key recommendations

• The Victorian Government draw on the experience of the ACT, in successfully decriminalising the cultivation and possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use with its associated health, social and legal benefits, and consider adopting an approach in line with that proposed by the Bill.
• The Bill be amended to include a five‑year statutory review clause.
• Alongside any changes to legislation regarding personal possession and cultivation of cannabis, the Victorian Government consider a scheme to expunge commensurate prior convictions.