How many cannabis arrests are there each year in Australia?
In 2020-21, there were 66,285 cannabis arrests in Australia (a decrease of 14% since the last reporting period). Of these, 90% were consumer arrests and 10% were provider arrests.
Source: Australian Crime Commission (2023). Illicit Drug Data Report 2020-21.
Consumer Arrests: The Australian Crime Commission differentiates between people who have been apprehended for trading in, as opposed to using, illicit drugs. Those charged with user-type offences (possessing or administering drugs for their own use) are classified as consumers.
Provider Arrests: The Australian Crime Commission differentiates between people who have been apprehended for trading in, as opposed to using, illicit drugs. Those charged with supply-type offences (importation, trafficking, selling, cultivation and manufacture) are classified as providers.