NSW Greens Senator David Shoebridge has launched a fully-costed scheme for legalising recreational cannabis across Australia that will generate a Parliamentary Budget Office-revised-down $700 million per annum within the first three years of operation.
The policy is supported by new costings from the PBO (down from $28 billion in a decade) and part of a shifting of wealth from bikie gangs and organised crime back to the public and legitimate businesses.
It’s also fresh money that can be invested in schools, hospitals and climate action.
The Greens point to benefits that have proven time and time again across multiple jurisdictions around the globe that legalising it provides safer products, billions in public revenue, and no more pointless arrests for possessing a plant.
No more dodgy deals
The Greens say that customers will be able to buy regulated cannabis from licensed dispensaries and cannabis cafes, or even grow up to six plants at home.
Senator Shoebridge says Labor had the chance to vote for legalisation last year and blew it.
“We’re not waiting for them to wake up. The Greens plan will let the public decide if they want to spend more time and money on the failed war on drugs or grow a new sustainable and exciting industry,” Shoebridge says.
“Legal weed isn’t a wild idea — it’s already working in Canada, Germany, and most of the US. Why is Australia stuck in the past?
“The future we see is one with secure regional jobs, safe products, flourishing small businesses and the option to visit a chilled out cannabis cafe.
“If you can responsibly enjoy a beer, why not an infused smoothie or a fresh baked brownie? Adults should be trusted to make their own choices when it comes to cannabis."
