Australia’s Parliament Is Set to Vote on Cannabis Legalization Bill Later this Month

Australia could soon join the growing number of countries legalizing cannabis for adult use. On November 27, 2024, the Australian Parliament will vote on a bill that could change the country’s drug policy forever. Is this a watershed moment for Australians? Let’s take a closer look at the proposal, its potential benefits, and the controversy it raises.

Content of the Act and its key assumptions

The bill, introduced by Senator David Shoebridge from the Green Party, would:

Legalize cannabis for adults at the federal level.
Establishment of the Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA) , responsible for licensing, regulating the market and maintaining a register of cannais varieties.
Permission to grow and process cannabis at home for personal use, including the production of edible products.

The emergence of cannabis cafes where cannabis could be consumed in public places.
The act also aims to counteract the excessive corporatization of the cannabis market. The Greens clearly emphasize that the cannabis industry should remain independent of the influence of large alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceutical corporations.

Economic benefits of cannabis legalization

According to a report by the Parliamentary Budget Office, legalising cannabis could bring significant economic benefits:

A$28.2 billion over 10 years at 15% product tax.
$36.8 billion if the tax rate increases to 25%.
These revenues could be used for local community development, education and healthcare. What’s more, the Greens point out that legalization would allow billions of dollars to be redirected from organized crime to legal entrepreneurs who promote safe and high-quality products.

Public support and the position of the Greens

Senator David Shoebridge describes the vote as the “best chance” to end cannabis prohibition in Australia, with the Greens saying more Australians support legalizing cannabis and the current criminal laws do more harm than good.

“The world is moving away from harmful criminal approaches to cannabis. If we do not act, Australia risks being left behind,” the Greens report said.

Controversies and opponents’ arguments

Not all members of parliament agree on the need for legalization, however. The Senate Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee recommended rejecting the bill in May of this year. The main concerns of opponents include:

Increase in cannabis consumption – According to a report, more than one million new users could try cannabis once the legal market is introduced.

Health risks – particularly among young people who may be more susceptible to negative effects.
Liberal Senator Paul Scarr says the Australian public may not be fully aware of the potential health implications of legalization.

What will legalising cannabis change in Australia?

If the bill is passed, Australia would become one of the leaders in the global legalization movement. Possible outcomes:

Social: Decriminalizing cannabis can reduce stigma against users and ease the burden on the justice system.
Economic: New jobs, development of local companies and increased revenues to the state budget.
Political: Increased support for the Greens and parties promoting legal liberalization.

Summary – Will Australia join the global trend?

November 27th, 2024 could be a date that will go down in history in Australia. The vote to legalize cannabis is not just a decision to change the law, but also a test of Australian society and its willingness to adopt a modern approach to drug policy. Will Parliament take this bold step? The world is watching.

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(Featured image by Dan Freeman via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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