Attitudes

This section provides an overview of Australians’ opinions regarding cannabis use and cannabis-related legislation.

It draws on data from the 2022-23 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?

Just under half (47%) of the Australian population disapproves of regular cannabis use. Public opinion on cannabis has shifted slightly since 2019, when 54% of Australians disapproved of regular cannabis use.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Do Australians think that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should be a criminal offence?

Most Australians (68%) think that the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use should not be a criminal offence. Seventeen percent of the Australian population think that it should be a criminal offence, while 15% are unsure.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.

Do Australians support or oppose the personal use of cannabis being made legal?

Thirty-one 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 21% neither support nor oppose it.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to some participants electing they need more information before making a choice. Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.

Do Australians support or oppose increased penalties for the sale or supply of cannabis?

Thirty-six percent of the Australian population supports increased penalties for the sale or supply of cannabis. A third (33%) oppose increased penalties, and 23% neither support nor oppose increased penalties.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).

Please note: Percentages may not tally to 100% due to some participants electing they need more information before making a choice. Criminal offences vary between each state and territory.