Is Weed Legal in Australia?

Recreational cannabis is illegal under federal law across Australia, though the Australian Capital Territory has decriminalized personal use since 31 January 2020 under the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Act 2019, permitting adults to possess up to 50g of dried cannabis and grow two plants per person (four per household). Medical cannabis has been federally legal since 2016 and is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration via the Special Access Scheme and Authorised Prescriber pathways, with over 500,000 prescriptions written by 2025. Other states retain varying approaches: South Australia and the Northern Territory issue civil expiation notices for small amounts; NSW, Victoria, WA, and Tasmania use cautioning or diversion; Queensland still pursues criminal charges. The Greens' Legalising Cannabis Bill was defeated 24-13 in the Senate on 27 November 2024. Penalties outside the ACT typically range from AUD $400 expiation fines up to two years' imprisonment for trafficable quantities.