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 544k 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 544k Australia voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 544k 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
@B33P8JX2 days2D
Yes, but after testing of each substance. Make it the same deal as alcohol & nicotine. High tax. Your choice. But still criminal offence to drive under influence/work etc.
@B2ZKM4M5 days5D
Yes, but only drugs that are not as damaging like marijuana. drug dealers should receive stricter punishments and drug addicts should be admitted to rehab, not jail.
@B2S5G9C2wks2W
yes but massively increase support for people needing help with addictive substances, with harm reduction and rehab and housing first.
@B2R7QSJ2wks2W
Yes, decriminalise drugs that offer medicinal benefits, increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation, and reduce sentences for those already serving
@B2PQSJF3wks3W
Yes, with the exception of extremely harmful drugs and increase funding for harm minimisation, and rehabilitation
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