ACT becomes first jurisdiction to decriminalise small quantities of illicit drugs

The possession of small amounts of drugs has been decriminalised in the ACT under sweeping reforms which came into effect on Saturday.

The ACT has become the first Australian state or territory to decriminalise possession of small amounts of illicit drugs including ice, cocaine and heroin.

The laws came into effect on Saturday after they were passed late last year by the ACT’s Labor-Greens majority government.

The move has been met with opposition from police who have warned it will trigger a spike in drug intake and gang activity.

Small amounts of marijuana have been decriminalised in the ACT. Photo: Daniel Munoz/AFP.

People will also be fined for possession of small amounts of cocaine. Picture: Supplied.

AFP Deputy Police Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the changes would lure recreational drug users into Canberra and spark an increase in drug-related deaths.

Under the new laws, people caught with a small amount of drugs will instead be issued with a $100 fine or referred to a drug diversion program.

Drugs use will remain illegal but will instead be treated as a health issue, the government argues.

“The ACT Government does not condone illicit drug use,” ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“The safest option is to not take drugs at all. However, we recognise people will use illicit drugs and believe a health-based approach to drug use leads to better outcomes.

“By treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one, we are providing pathways for people to access the health services and support they need.”

The decriminalised amount includes up to 1.5g of amphetamine, cocaine or MDMA, 50g of dried cannabis, 1g of heroin, 0.001g of LSD and 1.5g of magic mushrooms.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman.

Under the laws, if someone is found in possession of small amounts of illegal substances, they will still be confiscated.

It will still be illegal to drive with drugs in your system.

“By allowing people who use drugs to be referred to a health service instead of being given a criminal conviction, people are encouraged to seek help and treatment,” Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy executive director Chris Gough said.

“And also, importantly, showing that society hasn’t given up on them.”

The reform will be independently reviewed after two years.

Originally published as ACT becomes first jurisdiction to decriminalise small quantities of illicit drugs