ACT Policing has issued more than 530 fines for simple cannabis offence notices since July 2009, which might have resulted in criminal charges in five other Australian states that have not decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cannabis.

The possession of less than 25 grams of cannabis or the cultivation of one or two cannabis plants (excluding all hydroponically or artificially cultivated plants) for personal use is considered a minor offence in the ACT and carries a $100 fine payable within 60 days.

The cultivation of one or two cannabis plants for personal use is considered a minor offence in the ACT.

While possession is decriminalised rather than legalised, ACT Policing remain able to charge an offender should they deem it appropriate and any failure to pay a fine may result in criminal proceedings before an ACT court.

Since July 2009, an average of 106 infringement notices have been issued each year with the majority of offences related to the possession of cannabis, plant cultivation, or the possession of a drug of dependence.