Marijuana could be legalised for recreational use in Australia as lawmakers campaign to end long-standing bans on the mind-altering drug.

Victorian members of parliament want their state to consider following Colorado and California and allow adults to carry or buy cannabis for personal use without being fined or charged.

The parliamentary Inquiry Into Drug Law Reform made the call after visiting areas of the United States where it is legal to get high on marijuana.

Marijuana could be legalised for recreational use in parts of Australia if some politicians have their way

They argued a sales tax could be levied on marijuana if it was legalised, and explored how cannabis could be regulated so it had child-proof packaging and was only available for sale to adults.

The eight-member parliamentary committee visited Sacramento, in California, and Denver, Colorado, to explore the 'non-medical' use of cannabis.

'The committee found this is an area of drug law reform worthy of further investigation,' their report said.

Geoff Howard, a state Labor MP who chaired the parliamentary inquiry, said existing laws banning mind-altering drugs had not worked.

Victorian members of parliament (Melbourne's Flinders Street Station pictured) want their state to consider decriminalising cannabis, like Colorado and California

'Historically, the approach to drugs both internationally and in Australia was based on prohibition of recreational drug use,' he said.

'There is growing recognition that a dominant focus on law enforcement strategies has not eradicated the supply or demand for such substances, but has contributed to increased harms such as overdoses and black market crime.'

The 640-page parliamentary report also explored how medical cannabis could be legalised so doctors were able to prescribe it to their patients.

It is illegal in every state and territory of Australia to grow or possess cannabis.

However in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, offenders caught with small amounts of cannabis pay a fine and avoid criminal charges.

In other Australian states, repeat offenders are charged after cautions and treatment programs fail.

In the United States, Colorado allows people aged 21 or older to grow and carry 28 grams of cannabis.

California this year allowed adults to buy a similar quantity of marijuana for personal use.