New cannabis laws in WA
Western Australia's cannabis laws are changing on 1 August 2011.
Under the new laws, people apprehended for simple cannabis offences by police, may be issued a Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR). A person who has been given a CIR will be required to book and complete a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS).
It will also be against the law to sell ‘cannabis smoking paraphernalia’ (eg. bongs) or to display them for sale in a shop or retail outlet. Selling cannabis smoking paraphernalia to a child under the age of 18 years attracts a higher penalty than selling to an adult.
A state-wide campaign to increase awareness of the new laws about cannabis use and possession is currently being conducted to encourage people to access support services. An Indigenous component of the campaign is also being conducted with a range of local support initiatives available to assist in delivering the message within the community.
Download the Cannabis Laws in Western Australia booklet (PDF 3 MB) for more information about the new laws, or listen to the radio advertisement (MP3 714 KB), or view the press advertisement (PDF 382 KB).
For community groups interested in extending the campaign messages in their region, download the Cannabis Law Prevention Campaign Grant: Guidelines for Applicants and Application Form.
Drugs and the law
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 is in place to prevent the misuse of certain drugs and plants.
Illegal drug use, possession, manufacture or supply can carry heavy fines and/or prison sentences. Penalties range from a $2,000 fine and/or two years prison to a $100,000 fine and/or 25 years imprisonment.
Any person convicted of a drug offence will recieve a criminal record. This can make it difficult to get a job, credit or visas for travel.
If you have a drug problem and have been charged with an offence, the WA Diversion Program aims to reduce crime by diverting offenders with drug use problems away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
Alcohol and the law
The Liquor Control Act 1988 regulates the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol, the use of premises on which alcohol is sold and the services and facilities provided in conjunction with, or ancillary to the sale of liquor, in order to minimise harm or ill-health caused by the consumption of alcohol.
The Director of Liquor Licensing has developed policy guidelines to support the objectives of the Liquor Control Act 1988 and help licensees meet their regulatory requirements.
For more information about liquor licensing in Western Australia, see the liquor section of the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor's website or take a look at Alcohol. Think Again.