Cannabis Law Reform

The petition of the undersigned citizens of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:

• That the continued criminalisation of cannabis for personal use is unjust, ineffective, and increasingly out of touch with both evidence and public opinion. Treating ordinary Tasmanians as criminals for personal use of cannabis diverts scarce police and court resources, perpetuates stigma, and fails to reduce harm

•  That Tasmanians lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis face unreasonable barriers to accessing their treatment. Costs remain higher than in other jurisdictions, supply is unreliable, and patients risk prosecution under driving laws that do not distinguish between impairment and the presence of prescribed medication. This inequity denies many Tasmanians safe and affordable access to the medicine they require.

•  Evidence-based law reform is needed. A considered, transparent and community-informed approach must guide change so that regulation is fair, consistent, and focused on harm reduction.

The petitioners therefore respectfully request the House establish a parliamentary inquiry to examine:

1.      Cannabis regulation in Tasmania, including medicinal cannabis and the impact and effectiveness of the criminal justice response

2.      The social, economic, and public health impacts of current laws

3.      The case for reform, including national and international comparisons

4.      Options for regulatory change that better serve Tasmanians