The impact of cannabis decriminalization in Australia’s capital

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which includes the official capital city of Canberra, decriminalized small-scale cannabis cultivation and possession in January 2020. This policy shift has led to changes in cannabis use, cultivation practices, and community attitudes. A recent study, ‘CAN-ACT,’ sheds light on these developments by analyzing cannabis cultivators’ behaviors and the chemical composition of their home-grown cannabis.

Why ACT residents grow their own cannabis

The study surveyed 311 ACT residents who either currently cultivate or have previously cultivated cannabis. The key motivations for home-growing included:

  • Self-supply for both medicinal and non-medicinal use.
  • Enjoyment of the cultivation process.
  • Avoiding interaction with illegal suppliers.

Interestingly, 52% of respondents still reported anxiety about potential legal repercussions, reflecting ongoing uncertainties in the law.

Cannabis cultivation and consumption trends

The survey revealed that most cultivators grow around four plants per year, consuming a median of 1 gram per day. Challenges faced during cultivation included:

  • Mould (51%)
  • Nutrient deficiencies (31%)
  • Spider mites (21%)

Despite these issues, respondents valued home cultivation as a means to control quality and avoid contaminants present in illicitly sourced cannabis.

Chemical composition of home-grown cannabis

Analysis of 71 cannabis samples found:

  • Moderate THC content (mean 8.99%)
  • Low CBD content (<0.1%)
  • Minimal contamination with heavy metals or pesticides

While the study did not find widespread contamination, it highlighted concerns about legal access to quality-controlled cannabis seeds and the lack of official cultivation guidelines.

Unresolved legal ambiguities

While decriminalization has led to a decline in cannabis-related arrests, certain legal ambiguities persist. ACT laws permit home cultivation but provide no legal means for acquiring seeds, leading to potential unintentional offenses. Additionally, the legal plant limit (two per person, four per household) does not account for yield variations, potentially pushing cultivators over the legal possession threshold of 50 grams of dried cannabis.

How can legislation be improved?

The study suggests that refining the legal framework could further support responsible cultivation and consumption. Possible changes include:

  • Legal pathways for acquiring cannabis seeds.
  • Adjustments to possession limits to align with realistic yield outcomes.
  • Clearer public guidelines on cultivation best practices.

What does the future hold for cannabis laws in the ACT?

Despite minor legal uncertainties, the study indicates that cannabis decriminalization in the ACT has largely benefited the community, providing a safer and more controlled means of access. Future policy refinements may address the existing gaps, potentially setting a precedent for broader cannabis law reforms across Australia.

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