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Australia’s largest state will launch an inquiry into laws surrounding cannabis prohibition, with one MP saying legalizing weed could save the state billions of dollars.
An Upper House inquiry would be the first of its kind to explore the social and economic impact of cannabis prohibition, as well as its impact on young people, indigenous, LGBTIQA+, regional, multicultural and disadvantaged socio-economic communities.
The review will also look at alternative approaches to current laws, which allow legal cannabis use only with a medical prescription.
Cannabis Legalization MP Jeremy Buckingham said the inquiry would examine “the true socio-economic cost and opportunities of legalizing cannabis”.
New South Wales government officials are considering the impacts of legalizing cannabis as pressure to decriminalize the drug’s use continues to grow in Australia’s largest state (stock image).
Mr Buckingham, who will chair the inquiry, said the illegal cannabis market in New South Wales was being used as “rocket fuel” for a growing organized crime group, arguing legalization of the drug would lead to a cessation of income.
“The inquiry will hear from experts on cannabis law reform, health, crime, economists and examine jurisdictions like the ACT, USA and Germany which have moved to a legalization regime,” he said.
“Cannabis prohibition disproportionately impacts and criminalizes regional, working-class, LGBT and Indigenous communities – it’s time to understand why.”
On Wednesday evening, the motion was adopted in Parliament with the support of the government and the Greens.
Although the opposition opposed the investigation, Liberal MP Scott Farlow admitted he did not have the figures.
While NSW Treasurer and Upper House MP Daniel Mookhey said the government welcomed the “opportunity to hear from experts”, he said other policy considerations on cannabis would be considered at of the drug summit scheduled for later this year.
He said the summit would bring together “medical and health experts, police, drug user organizations, families and other stakeholders to build consensus on how this state addresses drug use and drug abuse.” ‘drug abuse’.
Cate Faehrmann, Greens spokesperson for drug law reform and harm reduction, said it was “time” for the government to consider the regulatory framework for a “legal cannabis market”.
Experts will explore cannabis use at a drug summit planned for later this year, as authorities continue to grapple with how the drug is consumed by users (stock image).
“It’s time, frankly, that we have a very thorough, thorough, detailed investigation into cannabis – not just medical cannabis and not just the very unfair laws around driving for medical cannabis patients,” he said. she declared.
Uniting NSW and ACT general manager of advocacy and external relations Emma Maiden welcomed the investigation.
“Any opportunity to review and change our unfair drug laws in NSW is always welcome, as is any positive change in the way we approach drug use and addiction,” he said. she declared.
“We know the system is unevenly applied, unfair, perpetuates stigma and increases harm. Other changes need to be explored and adopted.
“A drugs summit in the NSW parliament this year will be a vital part of this reform process. This will be an important way of building cross-party support for reform within the NSW Parliament and in the community.