The Justice Reform Initiative welcomes the final report of the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the impact of the regulatory framework for cannabis and urges the NSW Government to adopt its recommendations for a fairer and evidence-based approach to cannabis.
A multipartisan majority of the parliamentary committee has recommended the government immediately axe the maximum two-year custodial sentence for people found with a small quantity of cannabis and instead replace it with a fine, and that the government decriminalises personal use and possession of cannabis.
Justice Reform Initiative Executive Director Dr Mindy Sotiri said the cross-party support for reform represented a crucial step towards a more evidence-based, health-centred, and just approach to cannabis regulation in NSW.
"For too long, outdated drug laws have unnecessarily entangled individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly people from vulnerable communities, creating cycles of disadvantage rather than addressing underlying issues," she said.
"This report finds that the current criminal regulation to cannabis is not achieving its ostensible purpose of reducing use and is in fact causing significant harm, while the evidence from other jurisdictions shows that decriminalisation has not led to a material increase in use.
"It's time for NSW to adopt a public health approach to drug use, learning from international best practice to reduce offending and redirect valuable resources, including with increased investment in treatment and support services.
"We urge the state government to promptly act on this report."
The Justice Reform Initiative has published a position paper outlining an evidence-based approach to drug policy, legislative reform, and support and treatment services.
