Page 3827 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 25 September 2019
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parts of a residential property not generally accessible by the public. This will prevent cannabis from being grown in areas such as front yards, verges or community gardens. This is intended to minimise access to cannabis plants by anyone other than the legal owner. This would also have the effect of preventing cannabis from being legally cultivated on commercial or community property.
Secondly, cannabis plants will only be able to be legally cultivated by a person usually residing at that property. This is intended to assist in making clear who owns the plants, again helping police to make a distinction between personal users and criminals cultivating commercial crops. Further amendments clarify that cannabis must be stored out of reach of children and that exposing a child to cannabis smoke will be an offence.
Finally, as we are specifically discussing now, we propose that the legislation take effect on a date declared by the Minister for Health, rather than taking immediate effect upon its passage by the Assembly. This will allow time to communicate to Canberrans what the new legal framework is and to make sure that people understand the continuing restrictions and risks when it comes to using cannabis. (Second speaking period taken.) Assuming that the legislation passes in this sitting period, we propose that the new laws will take effect on 31 January 2020.
I would like to speak directly to any adult in this community who uses cannabis or is considering doing so once this bill comes into effect. If you need help with the physical or mental health effects of using cannabis, you can contact the Canberra Health Services alcohol and other drugs services by calling the 24-hour helpline, which is staffed by professional workers from the government’s alcohol and drug program.
If you do not want to talk to someone but you want to find out more information about alcohol and other drug services, this is available on the ACT Health website or the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT services directory. I would add that anyone who has concerns about their substance use, cannabis or indeed any other, can talk to their GP or other healthcare provider.
It is also important that Canberrans are aware of what this bill will not change. If you possess amounts of cannabis beyond those authorised by this legislation, you can be charged and prosecuted. If you use cannabis in a public place, or in a way that exposes children, you can be charged and prosecuted. If you supply cannabis to other people in any form, whether for money or not, you can be charged and prosecuted. If you drive whilst under the influence of cannabis, or have cannabis in your system, you can be charged and prosecuted. Using cannabis will still carry risks, even after this legislation takes effect. Make sure that you understand all of the ACT’s relevant laws so that you can do the right thing.
Canberrans are open-minded people. We are a community that embraces possibility, and we are prepared to go first in attempting progressive reforms that move the national agenda forward. Drug law reform to support harm minimisation is an important agenda, and removing penalties for personal possession and use of cannabis is another way that we can progress it.
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