The heat is rising on cannabis policy – not just in North America or Europe, but down under in New South Wales, Australia.
A landmark parliamentary inquiry has said that cannabis reform is inevitable in the state, calling out serious unfairness around weed laws.
The current system means the wealthy can access medicinal cannabis legally while everyone else risks jail.
A similar situation is happening in the UK, where medical cannabis is only accessible via private clinics and not though the NHS.
The Medicinal Loophole
The inquiry revealed a stark class divide. Those with access to private healthcare can secure a cannabis prescription, legalising their use.
Meanwhile, those without the means face criminal charges and possible prison time. As MLC Stephen Lawrence explained, the current model is a “two-tier justice system,” where privilege and poverty determine whether you might be fined or jailed.
The UK mirrors this tension. Medical cannabis is accessible, but often reserved for those who can afford private prescriptions. Meanwhile, small-time recreational users can still be dragged through the criminal justice system.
NSW’s report suggests that equity demands a single standard for all.
Time to Drop Outdated Penalties
Holding someone for up to two years for a small amount of weed? The inquiry calls such sentences “absurd, draconian and antiquated”.
They also noted that criminalising cannabis has not reduced usage, and that other regions that have decriminalised haven’t seen spikes in use either.
The report says that without modernising enforcement, authorities lose credibility in both public health and law effectiveness.
Decriminalise, Review, Regulate
Crucially, the inquiry doesn’t suggest leaping straight to full legalisation. It recommends:
- Immediate decriminalisation of small-scale possession, replacing jail time with fines.
- A staged review, leading to thoughtful regulation and eventual legalisation of adult use.
- A regulated market aimed at undermining illicit supply, protecting consumers, and generating tax revenue.
This slow-and-steady approach balances public health, harm reduction, and justice without whipping up unnecessary controversy.
Policies Must Catch Up With Reality
The NSW inquiry delivers a powerful critique: criminalisation of cannabis is unjust, inefficient, and out of touch. Its proposed path – decriminalise-first, legalise-later – offers a practical model.
Whether it will be acted on is another story.
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