Cannabis laws in Australia are a mixed bag, to say the least. While the days of the heavy-handed ‘War on Drugs’ are (mostly) behind us, we are all still faced with navigating a society that stigmatises and punishes weed users in myriad ways.

Also: since we live in a federation, we can’t even count on a bit of consistency to make it easy on our bud-soaked brains. Every state has different laws, requiring their own unique strategies.

This series will address the key legislation and policies you’ll need to know about as a resident stoner in Australia. We’ll be focusing on recreational smoking and growing for personal use — if you’re a dealer and you get busted, that’s on you.

This week: WA.

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Cannabis Intervention Requirements (<10 grams)

While WA is certainly stricter than most other states, there are a handful of strategies in place to protect first-time and/or younger users from prosecution. The most important of these is the CIR, or ‘Cannabis Intervention Requirement’. The following information is a summary taken from the WA Mental Health Commission website.

For a CIR to be implemented, you must be:

Aged 14 years or older.

Found using or possessing less than 10 grams of weed, or a smoking implement (pipe, bowl, or similar) with traces of weed.

Once given a CIR:

You must register for and attend a CIS (Cannabis Information Session) within 28 days, or apply for an extension by writing to WA police with proof of extenuating circumstances. Forms can be found here .

You can register for the CIS over the phone by calling 1800 722 362.

The CIS:

Is a one-on-one interview with a drug counsellor.

You must be sober, provide photo ID, and a copy of your CIR.

You must actively engage with the session.

Once complete, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. They’ll also send one to WA Police.

Other important information:

Adolescents aged 14-17 can get a CIR up to three times, whereas adults over 18+ can only get one. After that, you’ll be prosecuted in the courts and could possibly receive a criminal conviction.

CIRs do not apply to growing or possessing cannabis plants – or to resin, oils, or any cannabis products, other than straight weed.

Giving out CIRs is discretionary. However, if you’re respectful and honest to the police, you can usually count on being given one, rather than being arrested.

While the CIR can be inconvenient and irritating, it’s a necessary evil to avoid prosecution and criminal convictions. If given one, follow the information above. Also, make sure you do it properly and on time.

Possession for personal use (10 to 100 grams, <20 plants)

For anything over 10 grams, you’ll almost certainly be facing criminal charges in WA. The same goes for cultivating a small number of plants. Any less than 20 is considered to be for personal use and carries the same maximum penalty, which in 2019 is up to a $2000 fine (or 2 years imprisonment). Simple possession is handled in the magistrates court.

For a closer look at the legislation, see s 6(2) Misuse of Drugs Act 1981; s 34(1)(e) Misuse of Drugs Act 1981.

Possession with intent to sell or supply (100+ grams, 20+ plants)

Once you push past the 100 gram mark, there’s really no denying your intention to sell. You can argue the point in court, but it’s extremely difficult to prove. Offences in this range can be tried summarily by a judge for a maximum $5000 fine or 4 years imprisonment. A more serious charge or eager prosecutor can result in indictment, which carries a hefty maximum $100,000 fine and 25 years imprisonment (see s 6(1) Misuse of Drugs Act 1981). Supply offences are tried before a judge and jury in the District Court, and can be escalated to the WA Supreme Court.

Case Studies

So what do these minimums and maximums actually translate to? Maybe taking a look at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions can shed some light on what sentences are actually being handed down.

Lester v The State of Western Australia (2011)

Police found a hydroponic setup in a shed alongside $2100 cash and digital scales. Convicted with intent to sell or supply 6 plants, 18 seedlings, and over 3 kg of plant material.

Total effective sentence: 18 months imprisonment.

Savory v The State of Western Australia (2018)

Police intercepted a package containing 1.3 kg of cannabis. They replaced it with an inert substance and arrested Savory retrieving the package at his PO box. Convicted with intent to sell or supply.

Total effective sentence: 20 months imprisonment.

Harvey v The State of Western Australia (2017)

Found with 900 grams of cannabis, $10,500 cash, scales and clip-seal bags. Telephone intercepts revealed an intent to sell. Convicted with intent to sell or supply.

Total effective sentence: 2 years imprisonment, reduced to 12 months on appeal.

A little research on WA cannabis sentencing suggests a strong emphasis on the mitigating factors of a case. It was difficult to isolate cases that exclusively focused on cannabis. Personal possession is far less likely to attract a conviction or a hefty sentence than intent to sell or supply, and many cases are complicated by the presence of other substances.

On the point of possession

Possession can be a hairy legal issue in WA, and there are a number of points worth knowing about if you find yourself in trouble:

Possession requires knowledge: If you’re caught with weed and can establish that you didn’t know it was there or what it was, you aren’t technically in possession. This can be extremely difficult to prove, however. Weed can’t be passed off as baby powder or salt like other illicit substances. Possession can mean control: To be in possession doesn’t require you’re physically holding the substance. If the prosecutor can establish you were in control of the drugs in some way, you’re open to be charged. Possession doesn’t have to be exclusive: ‘Joint’ possession between two or more people is recognised legally and can leave you open to prosecution. This includes knowing it’s being kept in a vehicle or property you own or live in.

To clarify

This is by no means a comprehensive list of WA cannabis law. We’ve summarised the most relevant points for recreational users and growers here, but it’s well worth researching the specifics if your bud habits aren’t covered here. Similarly, if you’re a legal guru and there’s something important we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments or via email.