Western Australian MPs Dr Brian Walker and Sophia Moermond of Legalise Cannabis WA have introduced two separate bills to parliament — one seeking to legalise recreational cannabis use for adults, and another calling for the matter to be put to voters through a referendum.
The pair first tabled legislation aimed at establishing a legal framework for adult recreational use in Western Australia, before immediately following it with a second bill proposing that the public be given a direct say on the issue.
Delivering his second reading speech on the Misuse of Drugs (Lawful Person Use of Cannabis) Amendment Bill 2024, Dr Walker reaffirmed his party's position on reform.
"Recreational use of cannabis has always been part of our social structure. Over half the population has tried it at some point, and about 10% consume it on a regular basis."
Under the proposed legislation, adults would be permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants at their home and share as much as 50 grams with another adult without financial exchange, neither action constituting an offence.
Dr Walker said the bill includes protections designed to shield young people from harm and prevent cannabis from being smoked or vaped in public, while otherwise treating small quantities of the drug the same way as alcohol and tobacco.
Following his address, Dr Walker handed over to Moermond, who introduced the Legalise Cannabis (Referendum) Bill 2024.
"We don't necessarily expect the government to come on board with our legalisation plans," she commented. "But surely we can hope that, if they won't listen to us, they'll at least listen to the ordinary people of WA," Moermond told parliament.
She also referenced a recent national survey indicating that public backing for cannabis legalisation has reached a record level.
"As many as 80% of Australians support a change in the law, according to last year's National Drug Strategy Household Survey," she said.
Moermond's bill would place a referendum question on the ballot at the next state election, due in March 2025, asking voters "should cannabis be legalised in Western Australia to allow for home growth and adult personal use?"
"If the Cook Government believes its prohibitionist approach is the right one, let them put it to the test by asking the voting public," Moermond said.
The government is expected to respond to both bills in mid-June.
