Marijuana Laws in Australia

Marijuana Laws in Australia

State by state:

VICTORIA
Possession of cannabis is a criminal offence, but first or second-time offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.

NSW
Possession is criminal, but with less than 15 grams, offenders can receive up to two cautions.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Government plans to decriminalise possession of up to 30 grams or up to two non-hydroponic plants, but $200 fines will apply. First-time offenders are now cautioned.

QUEENSLAND
Possession is criminal, but adults may be cautioned.

ACT
Possession of up to 25 grams, or five plants, is not a criminal offence but carries a $100 fine.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Possession by adults of not more than 100 grams or one non-hydroponic plant is not criminal but carries fines of up to $150.

TASMANIA
Possession is criminal, but offenders with less than 50 grams may be cautioned.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Possession by adults of up to 50 grams or two plants is not criminal, but carries a fine of $100.

National Drug Research Institute - May 23rd, 2003


Cannabis Cautioning Scheme in NSW

On 3 April 2000, the NSW Government introduced the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme. Under this scheme, police can issue a caution to adults in possession of up to 15g of cannabis leaf (about enough for 15-25 joints). A Caution provides a warning of the health and legal consequences of using cannabis and information on where to seek treatment.

This scheme does not mean that cannabis is now legal or decriminalised. Rather that police have the discretion to issue a caution for small amounts of cannabis. At all times police retain the option of charging people for these offences.

In NSW, if you are found guilty of possessing or using cannabis, you could get a fine of up to $2,200, and/or other penalties including community service work or a term in prison of up to 2 years.

These penalties apply to both adults and young people aged between 10 and 18 years. For growing, importing or selling cannabis, the penalties are more severe. The severity of the penalty depends on the amount of cannabis, if it was being sold, and if you have prior convictions.

You are breaking the law if you possess, use, grow, import or sell cannabis (marijuana), cannabis resin (hash) or hash oil. You may get a criminal record if you are found guilty of possessing, selling or growing cannabis. This makes it hard to get a job, a credit card, or a visa to travel to other countries.