High Times in Canberra
Canberra, the capital of Australia, is making history as the first region in the country to legalize marijuana for personal use. As of January 31, 2020, adults can now legally grow, use, and smoke weed in the privacy of their own homes.
But what does this new law mean for residents and visitors of Canberra? Here's a breakdown of what you can and can't do with cannabis in the ACT.
What You Can Do:
- Possess up to 150 grams of fresh cannabis or 50 grams of dry cannabis for personal use.
- Grow up to 2 plants per person or 4 plants per household.
- Make edibles using up to 50 grams of dry herb per person.
What You Can't Do:
- Share your cannabis with friends or family.
- Grow cannabis indoors.
- Smoke, eat, or drink cannabis in public.
- Possess more than the legal limit.
It's important to note that possession and use of marijuana is strictly for personal use only and distribution or sharing of any kind is still illegal. Additionally, cannabis plants must be grown naturally outdoors and can't be artificially grown indoors.
What's actually changed?
So, what has changed since cannabis was legalized in Canberra? Not much, to be honest. The possession and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana has been decriminalized, meaning that instead of facing criminal charges, individuals found in possession of up to 50 grams or growing up to 2 plants will be issued a fine. This approach, known as the Simple Cannabis Offence Notice (SCON), has been in place since 1989.
But, for those looking to take advantage of the new laws and start growing their own cannabis, it's important to remember that plants must be kept in a secure, child-proof location in the rear of the property out of public view.
While the laws surrounding cannabis in Canberra may seem relaxed, it's still important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations to avoid any unnecessary criminal charges. And, as always, we recommend consulting with legal professionals if you have any questions or concerns.
So, whether you're a resident or just passing through, Canberra's cannabis laws offer a unique opportunity to enjoy marijuana in a way that was previously not possible in Australia. Just remember to keep it on the down-low and within the legal limits. Happy smoking!