Greens senator David Shoebridge outlines plan to legalise cannabis growing, sale of joints

Australians could legally grow and smoke cannabis by the end of next year if a Greens bill to legalise the drug passes federal parliament.

Australians could legally grow and smoke cannabis by the end of next year if a Greens bill to legalise the drug passes federal parliament.

Greens senator David Shoebridge revealed he has received constitutional law advice that indicated the Commonwealth can overrule the states to legalise cannabis across the country.

He said more than 40 per cent of Australians had smoked the drug at some point and this statistic prompted the party to work on a bill to legalise the drug.

The draft bill will be released for public consultation later this year.

“We’ve been told to wait for cannabis law reform for too long, even when it’s obvious that the majority of harm caused is by policing and the war on drugs, not the plant,” he said.

David Shoebridge launching the Greens’ Legalise Cannabis Policy at Nimbin. Picture: Cath Piltz

“Experts and Government inquiries keep pointing out how the war on drugs is failing and how heavy handed policing and the criminal justice system is causing harm, not fixing the problem.”

Following the federal election, the Greens believe they may have enough sway in parliament to get the bill over the line.

“When state governments are captive to law and order agendas and endlessly increasing police budgets despite all the best evidence, it’s time for the federal government to enforce sensible drug laws,” he said.

“We’ll be moving ahead on these laws to make it possible for a person to grow a few plants for personal use, or buy a joint or a brownie from a licensed seller. It’s possible, achievable and we’re super ready to get it done.”

Originally published as Greens senator David Shoebridge outlines plan to legalise cannabis growing, sale of joints