A parliamentary hearing is planned to examine whether cannabis should be legalized in Australia.
A Senate inquiry will hold its first round of hearings in Brisbane on Wednesday, looking into the possible legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use.
The investigation was prompted by a bill introduced to the upper house in 2023 by Greens senator David Shoebridge that would allow the possession of cannabis.
The bill would also establish a national agency that would register cannabis varieties and regulate people able to grow the plant, as well as the operation of cannabis cafes.
Senate investigation examines whether cannabis should be legalized for recreational use
The first round of hearings will include appearances from the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Lawyers Alliance, drug law reform advocates and government department officials.
In its submission to the inquiry, the highest medical body criticized the proposal to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, but said its regulation for therapeutic use could be improved.
“The AMA believes that if cannabis were legalized for recreational purposes, it would indicate to the public that its use is not harmful,” the presentation said.
“The AMA is concerned that people may self-medicate using cannabis products…for therapeutic purposes without consulting their doctor.”
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform said decriminalizing cannabis use could pave the way for better regulation of the drug in the future.
“Moving to a regulated system reduces the need to engage in illegal cannabis production and supply and may reduce the harm of maximum prohibition,” the organization’s research presentation said.
“It is time to control these substances more effectively without increasing the harm they may cause to the people who use them.”
The Department of Home Affairs, which will appear before the inquiry on Wednesday, said it had multiple concerns with the cannabis proposal.
Their presentation said the proposed laws would have the ability to override customs laws.
“(The bill) will have significant operational and financial impacts for the department,” the presentation said.
“It would require government-wide decisions on how existing laws and processes would be altered to control cannabis at the border.”