NSW Premier Chris Minns’ has consistenly opposed drug decriminalisation, but despite this, a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry reccomended a roadmap for reforming cannabis laws.

The committee’s interim report advocates for a staged approach to reform, beginning this parliamentary term with a gradual relaxation of cannabis criminalisation, starting with increasing possession limits, reducing penalties for personal use, and reclassifying non-commercial cannabis sharing as possession rather than supply. The report also encourages limiting police search powers, and favours the use of cautions over arrests.

At the recent NSW parliamentary cannabis inquiry, former NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery KC, representing the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, raised concerns about the severe impact of current cannabis laws on First Nations communities.

Cowdery went on to emphasise that “there is consistent evidence that decriminalisation doesn’t encourage cannabis use or increase cannabis taking in the community,” and that decriminalisation opens up pathways to treatment.

As the NSW Drug Summit continues, advocates are urging the government to prioritise decriminalisation and harm reduction, particularly to address over-policing and improve community safety.

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