What are the legal penalties for using cannabis?
Federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, making or selling cannabis, or driving under the influence of cannabis. There are also laws that prevent the sale and possession of bongs and other smoking equipment in some states and territories. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, rehabilitation orders and disqualification from driving. Some states and territories have programs that refer people caught in possession of small amounts of cannabis to treatment and/or education programs where they can receive help rather than going through the criminal justice system. In the Australian Capital Territory people aged 18 years and over can possess or grow small amounts of cannabis for personal use and use cannabis in their own home. All Australian States and Territories have laws that allow access to medicinal cannabis for specific conditions.
Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2024). Drug laws in Australia.