REPORT URGES GREATER LENIENCY OVER CANNABIS OFFENCES

A new report has recommended minor cannabis offences be treated the same as
speeding and repeat offenders fined without a criminal conviction.

The report was released by the National Drug Research Institute.

The report recommends people caught using cannabis for the first time to be
cautioned and subsequent offenders fined up to $150, without a criminal
conviction recorded, instead of the current $500 penalty and possible prison
sentence.

The document is a result of a six-month study carried out on behalf of a
Victorian parliamentary committee.

Researcher Simon Lenton says the model combines the infringement notice
systems in place in some states and territories, and the cautioning systems
underway in Victoria and Western Australia.

The possession and cultivation of even small amounts of cannabis will remain
illegal, but will be subject to civil penalties, much like speeding in a
motor vehicle.