Cannabis Law Changes in Australia One Year On

Australians Amazed the Sky Didn’t Fall After Semi-Legalization of Cannabis – LPC

Cannabis law changes in Australia a year ago didn’t exactly legalize cannabis fully. But they did legalize possession and the ability to grow at home for personal use. It’s perhaps a toe-dip to test public reaction. And, perhaps more to the point, to note any changes to the public health.

But according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the sky isn’t falling after cannabis law changes.

“Overall, we found cannabis use hasn’t changed,” said Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT chief executive Devin Bowles. “In some ways, that’s the big story, because there were really dire predictions at the outset.”

That comes as no surprise to Canadians, of course. Roughly six months after legalization in October 2018, people found that there wasn’t a cannabis consumption spike here either.

In fact, the ABC’s report (see link to full article below) is a list of Canadian concerns circa two years ago. It mentions problems policing cannabis impairment for drivers and cannabis and mental health. The jury is still out – including research from Australia on cannabis mental health treatments. But it seems there are pros and cons.

Cannabis Law Changes in Australia a Positive

Overall though, many agree Australian cannabis law changes have been a huge positive for the country.

“For the most part… I think we’re now heading in the right direction,” said Michael Pettersson. He’s the Australian MLA (equivalent to an MP in Canada) who first introduced the legislation. “I don’t think you can solve the problem of drugs in our society with changes to our laws. It takes a holistic approach across all elements of our society.”

That might be the signal that future cannabis law changes including full legalization may be on the horizon for Australia.

Click here to view full story at www.abc.net.au

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