Australian cannabis laws: Is weed legal in Canberra?

There have been several attempts to make cannabis legal in Australia, but these have not yet been successful. The Australian Capital Territory around Canberra is the exception. Is weed legal in Canberra? No. But possession of small amounts of cannabis was decriminalised there in 2020.

There are many countries across the world where cannabis is legal, but Australia isn’t one of them. Recreational use of marijuana is not currently legal in Australia, although it has been decriminalised in one tiny enclave.

Canberra cannabis laws: Is weed legal in Canberra?

The Australian Capital Territory around national capital Canberra decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cannabis in 2020.

Under current ACT laws, there is no penalty for possessing up to 50 grams of dry cannabis. The same applies to 150 grams of fresh cannabis. Cultivation of up to two marijuana plants per individual, up to a maximum of four per household, is also decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory.

These Canberra weed laws clash with Australian federal laws. But as it is essentially up to Australian Capital Territory police to enforce those federal laws, the ACT effectively wins the stand-off by default.

However, don’t go thinking Canberra is some sort of weed wonderland. It is still illegal to smoke or use cannabis in a public place, expose a child to cannabis smoke or store cannabis where children can reach it. It is also illegal to use hydroponics or artificial cultivation to grow cannabis. And you’re not allowed to grow plants where they can be accessed by the public. Driving with any cannabis in the system is also a strict no-no. You’ll have to go to Canberra by train if you’re planning such antics.

Most importantly, dealing or supplying cannabis is still illegal in the Australian Capital Territory.

Cannabis use in Australia

In the rest of Australia, cannabis use is fairly widespread, even though this is not legal. Some areas, particularly Nimbin in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales, are notorious for marijuana use as part of an alternative lifestyle culture.

Under federal Australian law, possession of cannabis can be punished with sentences of up to two years imprisonment. In practice, however, the federal police are more interested in catching drug importers and exporters.

cannabis in Australia — Cannabis is not legal in Australia. But it has been partially decriminalised for recreational use in the Australian Capital Territory.

Australian cannabis laws by state

Drug laws in Australia vary from state to state. In Queensland, for example, cannabis possession can theoretically attract a three year prison sentence.

In practice, however, Australian police don’t pay much attention to recreational cannabis use. Smoke it blatantly in public, and they might feel compelled to issue a caution. But most of the time, they’ve really got more important things to be getting on with.

Medical marijuana in Australia

Marijuana for medical use, on the other hand, is legal in Australia. This changed in 2016, but there is no stated list of qualifying conditions. Therefore, it remains something of a grey area at the whims of individual doctors.

Of course, if you really want to get high in the capital of Australia, there are more wholesome alternatives. Try hot air balloon flights and mountain hikes in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. No apologies will be forthcoming for this dreadful pun. It could have been worse. It could have been about weedy sea dragons.

The top Canberra accommodation picks

There is a large selection of Canberra accommodation options. But these are particularly good choices…

The one with the highest guest rating: A By Adina Canberra.
For something cool and stylish: East Hotel and Apartments.
The one where the VIPs stay: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
For high quality apartments: Quest Canberra City Walk.
For something much cheaper and family-focused: Alivio Tourist Park.