The ACT has become the first state in the nation to decriminalize small amounts of illegal narcotics.
Residents who are detected in possession of cocaine, speed, or MDMA in personal use quantities will not face criminal charges.
As an alternative, they will get warnings, fines, or referrals to drug diversion programs.
The amendment to the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Bill was approved by the parliament on Thursday and will take effect in 2019.
The way ahead, according to health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, is to put more emphasis on harm reduction than on penalizing drug users.
“With a focus on diversion, access to treatment and rehabilitation, and lowering the stigma linked to drug use, the ACT has led the country with a progressive approach to minimizing the damage caused by illegal substances,” she said.
The professional recommendation that a health-focused, harm reduction strategy provides the greatest result for those taking drugs is the basis of “this rational policy.”
The legislation won’t go into effect until October 2023 since a 12-month transition period will be in place beforehand.
The administration said that it will strengthen monitoring mechanisms and educate front-line personnel, including police, throughout the transition phase.
Michael Pettersson, a backbencher, applauded the action after bringing the measure to parliament for the first time in July 2021.
He said, “Today is an important day.” The measure introduced today is an evolution of our current laws, not a dramatic upheaval.
Existing legislation in the ACT permits citizens to own and cultivate limited quantities of marijuana.
Today, we have broadened that framework, according to Mr. Pettersson.
With the ultimate aim of making it simpler for Canberrans to receive the care they need, the numerous advantages of that system will now be extended to a larger variety of substances that will catch more residents.
Jeremy Hanson, the vice leader of the Canberra Liberals, denounced the bold action.
It wasn’t delivered to the neighborhood. It will result in an increase in crime. He told the ABC that it will result in more bloodshed on our roadways.
It won’t affect how many individuals enter the criminal justice system, and it won’t resolve the current issue of too few people having access to therapy.