Is Cannabis Legal in Australia?

Australia weed laws have recently undergone a facelift. Adult-use remains illegal in most provinces, with the notable exception of the capital Canberra which legalized recreational marijuana in Australia on September 25, 2019. Under the new marijuana laws in Australia, residents over age 18 may possess up to 50 grams of marijuana and grow two plants per person or four plants per household at any given time.

Medical marijuana has been made legal throughout the country, but only for the most severe illnesses and only under a doctor’s care (and with a prescription).

How Old Do I Need

to Be to Consume? N/A Recreational Not specified Medical Possession Limit

for Flower N/A Recreational Not specified Medical Possession Limit

for Concentrates N/A Recreational Not specified Medical

Required Testing

There is currently no lab testing required by the country.

Qualifying Conditions and Patient Rights

There are no specific conditions at the federal level for medical marijuana in Australia. Below is the status in each territory: New South Wales – Limited amnesty under the Medicinal Cannabis Compassionate Use Scheme for adults (18+) with a terminal illness who apply. Clinical trials for other patients are ongoing. Northern Territory – see the TGA federal access schemes. Queensland – Certain specialists can apply to be patient-class prescribers; others can only apply as single-patient. Doctors must present scientific evidence for the specific condition. The DOH site lists MS/muscle spasms, chemo-induced nausea/vomiting, epilepsy with severe seizures, and palliative care. South Australia – Prescribers must obtain “Section 18A” authority unless the patient is 70+, or a Notified Palliative Care Patient. Patients can only use cannabis for less than two months. Tasmania – Not restricted to particular conditions – As of 9/1/2017, certain specialists can apply to prescribe to patients with serious and chronic illness. Victoria – Currently available to children with severe epilepsy (though cannabis was legalized by the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Act 2016, and an Independent Medical Advisory Committee is advising an additional eligible patient classes) – patients can still apply via the Commonwealth schemes. Western Australia – Certain doctors (neurologists, rehab physicians or other specialists determined by the CEO of the WA DOH) may apply for a special WA DOH authorization in addition to federal authorization. Patients can’t have history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse (except where special preventative measures are taken).