Australia’s Parliament Set to Vote on Marijuana Legalization Bill This Month
Australia is on the verge of a significant milestone in its cannabis reform journey. Later this month, lawmakers in the country’s parliament will vote on a bill that seeks to legalize marijuana for adults. The proposed legislation, led by Senator David Shoebridge, a member of the Greens party, aims to establish a national cannabis industry, regulate and tax it, and allow for home cultivation and processing of edibles.
The bill would also permit the creation of cannabis cafes, where adults could use marijuana in a social setting. According to Shoebridge, the proposal has received strong public support, with many Australians agreeing that the cannabis industry should not be dominated by large corporations and that the big alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries should not control it.
However, the bill faces opposition in parliament. The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee recommended in May that the bill be rejected, citing concerns about the potential risks of legalizing cannabis, including increased consumption and potential health risks.
Despite these concerns, the Greens remain optimistic about the bill’s chances of passing. With the party controlling 11 of the 76 seats in the Australian Senate, they believe this is the best opportunity to advance the cause of ending cannabis prohibition.
The proposed legislation is expected to generate significant revenue for the government, with the Parliamentary Budget Office forecasting that it could generate around $28.2 billion in tax revenue over the next 10 years if products are taxed at 15 percent or $36.8 billion if the tax rate is 25 percent.
The Greens’ push for cannabis legalization comes as Australia continues to grapple with the issue of drug reform. In recent years, the country has taken steps to decriminalize certain drugs, including psilocybin and MDMA, and has also established a medical marijuana program. However, the country still has a long way to go in terms of fully legalizing and regulating cannabis for recreational use.
