The steady move toward the decriminalization of marijuana for personal use is continuing its rise in Australia, where public support for reform is strong.
A recent study in Australia shows about 75 percent of the citizens support the decriminalization of marijuana for personal use. Seventy percent supported treatment instead of incarceration.
Provincial leaders are responding too. In Queensland, Premier Peter Beattie has proposed permitting personal use of marijuana (up to 500 grams) to avoid criminal prosecution. Marijuana users who are found in possession of lower than 500 grams would be subject to a rehabilitation course.
Other provinces and territories have already approved similar plans. Currently, South Australia allows for up to three marijuana plants, the Northern Territory allows two plants or 50 grams, Australian Capitol Territory has a 25 gram limit, Victoria and Tasmania have a 50 gram cut-off and New South Wales has a 15 gram limit.
In Victoria, the Health Minister John Thwaites said this week that the government would further decriminalize marijuana for personal use. Thwaites’ plan would subject marijuana smokers to a $100 fine for smoking in public.
“For the better part of 30 years, despite conducting numerous government studies, reports and commissions in favor of marijuana law reform, Australia has resisted changing the legal status of marijuana due to U.S. pressure,” said Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director. “It appears that resistance is finally crumbling.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director at (202) 483-8751.
