Recreational use of illicit drugs including marijuana, cocaine and heroin is currently illegal in Australia. In 1985, the federal and state governments adopted a National Drug Strategy which included a pragmatic mixture of prohibition and a stated objective of harm reduction. Between 1998 and 2007 overall illicit drug use declined close to 40%. Amphetamines use declined by 38%; cannabis use fell by close to 50%; and use of heroin dropped by an impressive 75%. In February 2016 parliament amended the Narcotics Drugs Act, and created a national licensing scheme for the controlled cultivation and testing of medical cannabis.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Local Government Area
State Electorate
Response rates from 566k Australia voters.
49% Yes |
51% No |
37% Yes |
41% No |
10% Yes, for most but not all drugs |
7% No, but decriminalise drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana |
1% Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time |
2% No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation |
1% No, we should pass tougher drug laws |
|
0% No, and increase punishment for drug dealers |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 566k Australia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 566k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@4ZJVPR54yrs4Y
Only Marijuana and tax it at 99%. Life sentences for anyone who grows their own
@4THS3BK4yrs4Y
No, we should have the political will to remove the drugs from our streets. I'm sure the authorities know who the dealers/importers are and are most likely to be. I honestly think that it is such a lucrative black market business that the government turns a blind eye or lacks the political will to enforce the law.
@8KYXNYH4yrs4Y
Strongly support medical license drugs such as marijuana and ketamine - though wish to keep them medicinal
@B4TQW973 days3D
Decriminalise marijuana for recreational use as well as it will be safer (no/ less fent laced weed).
Make other substances like ketamine accessible for medical use only.
Increase the funding for addiction prevention, drug safety adn education and rehabilitation programs. This will help prevent future issues and treat current ones.
@B4Q6P8H1wk1W
Harsher penalties for all drugs. Mandatory jail for anyone caught with illicit drugs. However, completely legalise marijuana and other less harmful substances
@B4KYT5J2wks2W
Yes, but there should be some people allowed to acquire these drugs through a system, such as a 'drug license', which people can apply for with supervision from a medical doctor who knows about the condition or a local hospital. This will allow drugs to be administered but only to those who need it. licenses for particular drugs (drugs known to not have to be taken for life) should be renewed every 5 years, with close supervision from a doctor or hospital.
@B4K4MLN2wks2W
No, mandate rehabilitation instead of imprisonment for users, while implementing harsher sentences for dealers.
@B2S5G9C3mos3MO
yes but massively increase support for people needing help with addictive substances, with harm reduction and rehab and housing first.
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