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Scott Morrison Says He 'Won't Be Partaking' As Canberra Legalises Weed Today

Scott Morrison Says He 'Won't Be Partaking' As Canberra Legalises Weed Today

From today, people in the ACT will be able to possess up to 50 grams of the drug and grow two plants.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

People in the Australian Capital Territory will benefit from relaxing laws on cannabis use and possession.

From today, a person in the territory will be permitted to have 50 grams of weed on them and they can grow two plants.

It'll still be illegal to cultivate a plant via artificial means, smoke or possess the drug under the age of 18, be under the influence of it when operating a vehicle, and sell it to others.

PA

Because it's in the ACT, there are loads of politicians who will also have access to the law from today, however don't expect the Prime Minister to be sparking up anytime soon.

When Scott Morrison addressed a press conference earlier this week, where he was asked about the coronavirus and the sports grant scandal, he was also quizzed on whether he would take up smoking weed.

Triple J Hack reporter Shalailah Medhora tweeted that Mr Morrison's reply to that question was: "I will not be partaking."

The new law is all thanks to Labor backbencher Michael Pettersson, who introduced a private member's bill to change the legislation. Mr Pettersson said his main goal for organising the bill was to sort out the criminal justice system for low-level drug offenders.

"Because of our drug laws, getting caught with a small amount of cannabis can ruin your life," he said.

The bill had to go through several amendments in order for it to get to this stage and they've mainly been around preventing weed from ending up in the wrong hands.

One of the amendments included a provision that would stop children getting into contact with the drug, namely not using it near kids and not planting seeds in community gardens.

PA

The ACT government recognises that it will take a little getting used to, but the approach was common sense in 2020.

A spokesperson told the ABC: "This approach seeks to ensure that adults who are in possession of cannabis do not have to face the prospect of criminal penalty for possession and are more easily able to seek help for addiction or treatment for the adverse effects of cannabis.

"It is not the Government's intention to legalise the gifting of cannabis between individuals, other acts of supply, or the commercial sale of cannabis."

Don't expect weed shops to be popping up in Canberra anytime soon however it will allow loads of people to avoid a criminal record for a low level drug offence.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Drugs, Australia