In short:
Penington Institute is inviting Victorians to ‘Take the Cannabis Test,’ a five-question online quiz to find out your stance on safe cannabis regulation.
Public opinion polls already demonstrate widespread support for cannabis regulation, with 54% of Victorians in favour.
- Penington Institute’s proposed approach to safe cannabis regulation for adult use will be released early next year.
“Regulate it?” Over the next three weeks, a high-impact, thought-provoking campaign will roll out across high-profile billboards, street poster sites and digital platforms across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The campaign asks Victorians to consider their stance on safe cannabis regulation that moves away from the existing, dangerous, unregulated cannabis market toward a health-focused approach.
Designed to spark conversation, the Australian-first non-partisan, community education “Regulate it?” campaign from independent drug policy non-profit Penington Institute is inviting Victorians to ‘Take the Cannabis Test,’ a five-question online quiz about different aspects of safe cannabis regulation.
Results from the quiz will let the community know how their views align with other Victorians and with Penington Institute’s proposed approach to safe cannabis regulation for adult use. The non-profit’s full model, which prioritises community health and safety, will be released early next year.
The “Regulate it?” campaign features eye-catching billboards asking questions such as, “Should cannabis be legal to use anywhere?” and “Should there be limits on cannabis strength?” while reiterating Penington Institute’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Victorians and protecting safety.
The non-profit’s proposed regulatory approach includes strict controls on where people can use cannabis, age of access, advertising, packaging and production, along with measures to ensure product safety and compliance. Regulation would also provide access to certified quality-controlled products and increased health education opportunities.
Penington Institute is committed to engaging the community in this conversation by placing “Regulate it?” branded coffee carts at locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Public opinion polls already demonstrate widespread support for the introduction of a regulated cannabis market. Polls undertaken by Penington Institute found that a majority (54%) of Victorians favoured regulation, while only 28.5% opposed it, and 17.5% were undecided. Meanwhile, fully 80% of Australians think possessing a small amount of cannabis shouldn’t be a criminal offence (AIHW, 2024).
Cannabis is the second most popular drug in Australia after alcohol, with 37% of Victorians admitting to having tried it (AIHW). Safe cannabis regulation for adult use creates the opportunity to take control of an existing, unregulated market.
By taking the quiz and learning more about Penington Institute’s approach to regulation, the public can play an active role in shaping the future of cannabis regulation in Victoria. The first wave of the campaign starts on December 2nd, with quiz results shared in January 2025.
“We’re launching this campaign because we know there is already strong community support for cannabis regulation. We want to encourage people to talk about this issue and to show just how a regulated model can make our communities safer and better protected.
“Our regulated framework for adult use cannabis prioritises community health and safety over criminalisation. It’s time to rein in the uncontrolled, dangerous black market that exists, and keep young people safe and away from drug dealers.
“Regulation would also reduce the burden on our strained justice system and allow us to redirect those valuable resources to concentrate on serious crime.”
“The criminalisation of cannabis use and possession is discriminatory, significantly damaging, and serves no real purpose. While drug use is not to be encouraged, there are far better ways to address harmful behaviour than through criminal penalties. Early intervention and safe, considered regulation are key.
“A Penington Institute style evidence-based approach to law reform is essential to make meaningful reductions in crime, fairer and more equitable laws and improved community safety and confidence in government.”
For all media enquiries, contact:
Lollie Barr
Media Advisor
+61 (0)490 043 772
lolliebarr@thinkerbell.com
About Penington Institute
Penington Institute is a leading Australian independent drug policy not-profit organisation that connects lived experience with research to improve the management of drugs through community engagement and knowledge sharing.
Penington Institute has conducted extensive research over many years into the benefits of cannabis decriminalisation and regulation for Australia.
