Windana welcomes the Regulation of Cannabis (Personal Use) Bill 2023 as a vital step towards pragmatic drug law reform.

Andrea McLeod, CEO of Windana said that viewing personal drug use as a criminal issue prevents people getting the support they need for their substance use.

“For too long, too many people have been drawn into the justice system for cannabis use.”

“As an organisation that supports thousands of people every year to reduce the harms and recover from drug use through community support, withdrawal and rehabilitation, we see firsthand how viewing the possession of small amounts of an illicit substance as a criminal issue is failing our community.”

This Bill will reduce the involvement of justice-related responses among people who use cannabis, which will provide better access to support for those who need it. Importantly it does not change driving laws and maintains the prohibition on children accessing cannabis.

“This Bill recognises that decades of prohibition have not succeeded, and is out of touch with what the global evidence base shows actually works,” Andrea said.

“A different approach to drug regulation is needed in Victoria – one that has a truly client-centred response to substance use.”

More information

DirectLine
Counselling, information and referral service for alcohol or drug-related issues.
Call: 1800 888 236
www.directline.org.au

• Cannabis ‘Drug Facts’ (Alcohol and Drug Foundation)
• Cannabis page and information brochure (Harm Reduction Victoria)