Hearings begin on use of cannabis in Victoria

This Thursday, 25 March 2021 the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee will commence public hearings for its inquiry into the use of cannabis in Victoria.

The first hearing will be broadcast live on the Victorian Parliament’s website from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm, with the schedule available from the Committee’s website.

The Committee will be hearing from a range of organisations, including research institutes and policy advocates.

“We’ve had a huge response to this inquiry with more than 1400 submissions received,” said Committee Chair Fiona Patten. “Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Victoria. Over a third of Victorians have used cannabis in their lifetime and more than 11 per cent have used cannabis in the past year.”

“The hearings will allow us to explore in detail the many complex issues associated with cannabis use in our state,” she said.

Under the inquiry’s terms of reference, the Committee is examining a range of matters including the best means to prevent young people from using and accessing cannabis, protecting public health and safety, and implementing health education campaigns.

Prevention of criminal activity relating to the illegal cannabis trade in Victoria is also being considered, with Victoria Police estimating its worth at $8 billion annually.

“Community health and safety will be important considerations in any recommendations we make,” Ms Patten said.

“Over the course of the hearings we will be speaking with people who have specialist knowledge as well as community members dealing with some of the health and social impacts of cannabis use.”

Issued: 23 March 2021