Last month the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the first jurisdiction in Australia to legalize cannabis for adult use. The ACT measure allows adults 18 years old or older within its jurisdiction to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to two plants. The measure did not legalize cannabis sales.

It did not take long for Australia’s federal government to take issue with the measure’s passage, despite the measure not taking effect immediately. The measure was coupled with increases in substance addiction services in the ACT, yet despite that, Australia’s federal government is coming out strong against the measure citing societal ‘health concerns.’ Per ABC News:

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has penned a letter to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, calling on him to produce any evidence he considered before supporting the legislation, regarding the health impacts of cannabis. “I call on you to explain whether the ACT Government considered the international evidence on the health effects of cannabis and to provide any evidence to the contrary,” he wrote.

Cannabis has been found by a number of studies and personal patient experiences to possess tremendous wellness benefits. The cannabis plant can be used to treat a number of conditions. Below are examples of studies that have found that cannabis use is associated with better brain health:

Below are examples of studies that have found that cannabis is associated with effective pain management:

Below are examples of how cannabis is associated with a reduction of the use of harmful opioids:

The studies listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Cannabis use is not harmful to society – cannabis prohibition is harmful to society. The successful ACT reform measure will help law enforcement focus on fighting real crime. The territory will also save a considerable amount of public revenue from not having to enforce such a harmful, failed public policy.

Health Minister Greg Hunt is asking what was taken into consideration by ACT lawmakers prior to passing the legalization measure? The concerns that are being raised by Minister Hunt never became a reality in the growing list of jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis in various parts of the world, which begs the question – what exactly did Minister Hunt consider prior to starting his reefer madness campaign directed at the sensible law passed in the ACT? Was it science and logic, or was it outdated, harmful political opinions?