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.
49% Yes |
51% No |
37% Yes |
41% No |
10% Yes, for most but not all drugs |
6% 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 |
See how support for each position on “Drug Policy” has changed over time for 529k Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
See how importance of “Drug Policy” has changed over time for 529k Australia voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from Australia users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@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.
@8MCSTJQ4yrs4Y
well some drugs are good for people who are prescribed to them but non prescribed drugs are notgood
@8WFDLP63yrs3Y
Heavily depends on the drug, some aren't as big of a deal as they are made out to be and should be decriminalized, if only for the sake of those addicted and sourcing from unsafe avenues.
@8WD8J9V3yrs3Y
Only class B drugs e.g marijuana
@8KYXNYH4yrs4Y
Strongly support medical license drugs such as marijuana and ketamine - though wish to keep them medicinal
Stay up-to-date on the most recent “Drug Policy” news articles, updated frequently.
Explore other topics that are important to Australia voters.