POSSESSION of small quantities of illicit medicine will likely be decriminalised within the ACT after the Medication of Dependence (Private Possession) Modification Invoice 2022 handed the ACT Legislative Meeting right this moment (October 20).

There will likely be a 12-month transition interval.

Well being Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith hailed the passage of the laws as ‘nation main’.

“The ACT has led the nation with a progressive method to decreasing the hurt attributable to illicit medicine with a concentrate on diversion, entry to remedy and rehabilitation and decreasing the stigma connected to drug use,” she mentioned.

From late October 2023, the possession of small quantities of sure illicit medicine will likely be decriminalised which means that individuals will not be uncovered to potential jail sentences and as an alternative could also be issued a warning, a $100 wonderful or referred to a bootleg drug diversion program.

She mentioned the federal government would now take the following 12 months to implement oversight preparations, ship coaching for frontline staff, together with police, and develop public and focused communications with police, the alcohol and drug sector, tutorial consultants and folks with lived expertise.

 

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