Penington Institute releases the Penington Cannabis Control Plan outlining a common-sense plan for cannabis law reform for Australian states and territories.
Australian governments have been presented with comprehensive blueprint for how to legalise and, most importantly, regulate cannabis for adult personal use, in a bid to reduce harm, combat crime and stop government waste.
Leading independent drug policy research non-profit Penington Institute has today released the Penington Cannabis Control Plan.
The Plan urges governments to wrest control of existing cannabis markets away from criminal gangs.
It proposes more than 20 specific control measures to guide a government-regulated cannabis market, including:
- adult access only
- a complete ban on advertising
- plain packaging
- potency caps
- no public consumption, and
- forcing authorised retailers to provide health education materials.
Under this reform plan, state and territory governments would become licensing agents and regulators for the legal and carefully regulated cannabis market.
In addition to measures focused on harm minimisation and health outcomes, the Plan also details how sensible cannabis regulation would boost community safety and free-up police resources for more serious crimefighting.
Canada and more than 20 US states have already embraced cannabis reform, with each jurisdiction adopting a slightly different regulatory model.
Penington CEO John Ryan says the Cannabis Control Plan has been designed for Australia, following a detailed analysis of overseas models.
We've looked at what's worked and what hasn't worked overseas, and designed a common-sense model for Australia. This isn’t about promoting cannabis use – it’s about taking back control. Regulation means strict oversight and clear controls on access and use." Mr Ryan said.
The Plan was launched inside a temporary ‘cannabis demonstration store’ in Melbourne. The mock retail outlet was established to show Australians what a government-regulated retailer could look like.
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan is available for comment.
Media Contact
Media contact: Ryan Sheales on ryan@theagendagroup.com.au or 0402 351 412
Penington Institute is an independent drug policy nonprofit. It supports cost-effective approaches to maximising community health and safety in relation to drugs. Read more at penington.org.au