Parliamentary Report: Cannabis Reform In NSW Is “Only Rational Course”

A new parliamentary report issued in New South Wales calls for cannabis reform in the Australian state. The 148-page report, which was tabled by the premier and finance committee, called cannabis reform the “only rational course of action.”

“The committee strongly believes that this must not deter the government from pursuing a rational, staged and evidence-based policy that addresses the growing need for legal and regulated cannabis markets,” Legalise Cannabis MP Jeremy Buckingham stated after the report was tabled according to local reporting by Cannabiz.

“The majority of committee members are persuaded that at least initial reforms should be considered by government.” Buckingham also stated.

Currently in New South Wales, cannabis possession without intent to distribute is punishable by up to two years in prison, and ‘gifting’ cannabis is treated as distribution. The tabled parliamentary report recommended that the penalty for possession be reduced to a maximum of three months, or to penalize such activity with only a fine.

Additionally, the report recommended that ‘gifting’ cannabis without consideration should be treated as possession, and that medical cannabis patients should be afforded an affirmative defense when they test positive for THC but do not exhibit signs of intoxication when operating a motor vehicle on public roadways.

In the Australian Capital Territory, where the country’s capital is located, cannabis is already decriminalized and has been since January 2020. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is still prohibited in the territory, as is cannabis commerce and public cannabis consumption.

Cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level in Australia, although medical cannabis is legal in some instances.