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Australian legislators are preparing to vote on legislation that could pave the way for adult-use cannabis legalization across the nation. Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens Party, who has spearheaded the effort, announced on social media that the proposed bill is scheduled for a vote in Parliament on November 27.
The legislation seeks to establish a regulated cannabis market, complete with taxation and licensing. Central to the plan is the creation of the Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA), which would oversee licensing and regulations and maintain a comprehensive register of cannabis strains. The bill also explicitly permits home growth for personal use and home edibles processing. Additionally, it proposes the establishment of marijuana cafes, providing spaces for social consumption.
In developing the bill, the Greens Party consulted extensively with the public. Feedback revealed widespread support for keeping marijuana production and sales free from heavy corporate influence. There was also consensus that industries like pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and alcohol should not dominate the cannabis market.
The proposal report by the Greens highlighted that globally, many nations are moving away from criminalization in favor of regulated legalization. The party warned that Australia could fall behind if it relies solely on state and territory-level reforms rather than adopting a unified national approach.
Despite its bold vision, the proposal has encountered resistance within Parliament. Earlier this year, the Senate Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee recommended rejecting the bill, citing concerns about potential risks associated with legal cannabis.
Further, a report authored by Paul Scarr of the Liberal Party cautioned that legalizing cannabis could lead to a significant increase in consumption, potentially introducing new public health challenges. The document cited survey data suggesting that more than a million Australians might try marijuana if it became legal, raising concerns about the societal and health impacts of such a shift.
The legislative report accompanying the proposal projected that taxing cannabis at rates of 15% or 25% could generate between $28.2 billion and $36.8 billion in government revenue over a decade. Proponents argue that this revenue could redirect profits away from organized crime, instead fostering a legitimate market driven by local businesses and entrepreneurs producing high-quality and safe products.
The Greens are optimistic about the legislation’s prospects, describing the current political climate as the most favorable opportunity yet to advance marijuana reform. “We have a chance for meaningful change,” the party declared on its website, pointing to their influence in the Senate as a critical factor.
Currently, marijuana is federally illegal in Australia, apart from a restrictive medical program. However, certain regions, such as the Australian Capital Territory, have adopted local reforms. The territory decriminalized small amounts of illegal substances in 2023, building on an earlier policy that eased restrictions on cannabis possession.
Meanwhile, at the federal level, the government recently shifted policies on other substances, allowing therapeutic access to psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin for patients with PTSD and resistant depression. The drugs are classified under Schedule 8 for medical use but remain prohibited for non-authorized purposes under Schedule 9.
Entities like Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) that have an interest in the international market for marijuana are likely to take an interest in the goings-on in Australia to see if any business opportunities avail themselves once legalization is launched.
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