Attitudes
This section provides an overview of Australians’ opinions regarding cannabis use and cannabis-related legislation.
It draws on data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). The NDSHS is a triennial general population survey of Australians' awareness, attitudes, and behaviours relating to alcohol and other drug use. It is the best data source available to provide a national population demographic profile of Australians’ attitudes towards cannabis use.
Do Australians approve or disapprove of cannabis use?
The majority (54%) of the Australian population disapproves of regular cannabis use.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
Do Australians think that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should be a criminal offence?
Most Australians (66%) think that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should not be a criminal offence. Nineteen percent of the Australian population think that it should be a criminal offence, while 16% are unsure.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
Please note: Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.
Do Australians in different jurisdictions think that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should be a criminal offence?
The majority of people in all states/territories believe that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should not be a criminal offence. The jurisdictions with the highest proportion of people who believe it should be a criminal offence are New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia (19% each). The jurisdiction with the highest proportion who believe it should not be a criminal offence is the ACT (72%).
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2019).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.
Do Australians support or oppose the personal use of cannabis being made legal?
Thirty-seven percent of the Australian population are opposed to the personal use of cannabis being made legal, 41% support legalising the personal use of cannabis, and 22% neither support nor oppose it.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
Do Australians support or oppose increased penalties for the sale or supply of cannabis?
Forty-four percent of the Australian population supports increased penalties for the sale or supply of cannabis. A third (33%) oppose increased penalties, and 24% neither support nor oppose increased penalties.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).
Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to rounding. Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.