The Greens have issued a consultation paper on its plans to legalise recreational use ahead of justice spokesperson David Shoebridge introducing a bill to parliament this year.
The proposals would create the Cannabis Australia National Agency (CANA) to licence the strains which could be sold, with adults aged 18-plus allowed to grow up to six plants at home for personal use.
Cannabis would be grown for sale by not-for-profit co-ops and small businesses, with an explicit prohibition on alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical corporations being involved.
Sales would primarily be through cafes, with products likely to include flower, edibles, drinks and oils.
Importation would remain an offence while those who own more plants than permitted under their licence would have the excess volume confiscated and be liable for a fine.
It would be an offence to allow a minor to have access to cannabis or a cannabis product, to commercially produce without a licence, and to advertise, except for a small online presence for cafes to drive local sales.
Those breaking the law would face fines and a possible prison sentence.
The party has commissioned a report from the Parliamentary Budget Office which calculates the policy could generate A$28 billion in taxes over 10 years.
In an introduction to the consultation paper, the party said it was keen to get feedback on the bill before it is formally introduced so that “any significant concerns with the proposed model are identified and any drafting errors rectified”.
It added: “Our aim is not to defend our drafting, but to get the best laws into parliament.”
Areas it has invited feedback on include the proposed regulatory model for CANA, the home-grow limit, commercial growing and selling, cannabis cafes, drug-driving laws and workplace testing.
The deadline for email submissions from industry stakeholders is May 9, with a broader public consultation also taking place via an on-line survey.