An interview Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews gave to The Guardian over the weekend has cooled expectations that his government would pursue recreational cannabis legalisation if returned to power at Saturday's election.
Despite Labor directing preferences to Legalise Cannabis Victoria in second position across four upper house regions, Andrews reaffirmed his personal stance against legalisation.
He said: "We've got a big mental health reform agenda and dual diagnosis and drug-induced psychosis is a really significant issue for a percentage of our community at which there is no safe level that you can use that drug.
"I just think the two things are inconsistent. I fully accept that many people do not agree with that."
Legalise Cannabis Victoria party secretary Craig Ellis had previously described the preference arrangement as a "massive shift" for Labor, one that could translate into genuine cannabis law reform should the party win government.
When asked about Andrews' latest remarks, Ellis said he was "disappointed, but not surprised".
"The last thing Dan Andrews wants is for the tabloids to be screaming that he is soft on drugs a few days out from the election.
"On the one hand, he says he listens to the experts when it comes to Covid, but he ignores them when it comes to cannabis. There is no compelling evidence that cannabis causes psychosis, so to suggest that it does is wrong.
"There is, however, overwhelming evidence that the continuing criminalisation of cannabis causes immense harm. Prohibition fills the coffers of organised crime. It provides the link between cannabis and harder drugs, and turns otherwise law-abiding Victorians into criminals."
Ellis added: "Hopefully, and with the help of Labor's preferences, there will be a Legalise Cannabis MP or two in the Victorian parliament to help change the premier's mind."
