New South Wales politicians suggest cannabis decriminalisation is inevitable after a parliamentary inquiry's report found the current regulation discriminatory, favoring those who can legally obtain medicinal cannabis while others are criminalized. The report, backed by six of seven committee members across parties, recommends immediately replacing custodial sentences for small quantities with fines and considering legalizing adult use to eliminate the illicit market.
NSW politicians say cannabis decriminalisation inevitable after report points to unequal system
New South Wales politicsNew South WalesCannabisHealthDrugsAustralia
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️New South Wales politicians suggest cannabis decriminalisation is inevitable after a parliamentary inquiry's report found the current regulation discriminatory, favoring those who can legally obtain medicinal cannabis while others are criminalized. The report, backed by six of seven committee members across parties, recommends immediately replacing custodial sentences for small quantities with fines and considering legalizing adult use to eliminate the illicit market.
Trending- 1 2019: Chris Minns spoke in favor of legalizing cannabis (while in opposition).
- 2 Last week (June 17-23, 2025): NSW upper house inquiry released its landmark report.
- 3 This week (June 24-30, 2025): Attorney general's spokesperson said the government was considering the recommendations.
- Potential for significant reform of cannabis laws in NSW
- Reduced criminalization for minor cannabis offenses
- Potential for a regulated legal cannabis market
- Addresses inequities in the current system
What: New South Wales (NSW) politicians believe cannabis decriminalisation is inevitable following a parliamentary inquiry report that highlighted the discriminatory nature of current cannabis regulation. The report recommends replacing custodial sentences for small quantities with fines and considering legalizing adult use.
When: Report released last week; Premier Minns spoke in favor in 2019.
Where: New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Why: The current system is deemed discriminatory because people with means can obtain medicinal cannabis legally (often for recreational purposes), while others are criminalized for similar use. The inquiry found the maximum two-year prison penalty for small quantities "absurd, draconian and antiquated" and that criminal regulation has not reduced use.
How: A NSW upper house inquiry released a landmark report with recommendations for reform. The recommendations were supported by a cross-party majority of the committee members.