Most Victorians agree on the broad parameters that should govern a new regulated cannabis market in Victoria – should politicians embrace law reform.
More than 3,700 Victorians have completed a survey developed by Penington Institute and promoted online and at major Melbourne intersections.
The final results reveal Victorians are in broad agreement about the path forward, with community consensus that:
- Only adults should be allowed to buy cannabis (90.0%)
- People shouldn’t be allowed to use cannabis in public (62.4%)
- We need strict rules about how cannabis products are branded (72.0%)
- Authorised cannabis retailers should be banned from advertising (62.4%)
- There should be limits about how strong cannabis can be (63.2%).
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan said:
“We already know most Victorians support the sensible regulation of cannabis, and now we know there’s also broad agreement about what this should look like.
“Importantly, this community consensus aligns with the views of public health and legal experts.
“The Victorian community is ready for this change.”
Penington Institute is currently working with experts to develop a comprehensive cannabis regulation model.
More than 20 US states and several countries including Canada currently operate a strict regulation model for cannabis production, sale and adult use.
Mr Ryan said cannabis regulation is proven to reduce harm and will stop criminals making mega-profits from illicit cannabis to fund other outlaw activates.
“Our current law-and-order approach to cannabis doesn’t work and is doing great harm."
The data
Survey respondents were asked if they agree with the statements below.
All respondents were required to enter their postcode. Responses were received from more than 500 postcode zones, with strong responses from within in the state electorates of Melbourne, Frankston, Bendigo West, Werribee, Wendouree, Preston and South Barwon (Geelong).
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan is available for interview.
To arrange an interview, contact Communications Manager William Summers on 0434 275 792 or email media@penington.org.au.
Penington Institute is an independent, evidence-based not-for-profit organisation that supports cost-effective approaches of maximising community health and safety in relation to drugs, including pharmaceuticals and alcohol. For more information go to www.penington.org.au.
John Ryan is a leader in public health and safety and the inaugural CEO of Penington Institute. John actively works to promote sensible and harm-minimising approaches to drug use in the community and provides expert advice, including to governments.