The Legalise Cannabis Victoria party is proposing a plebiscite on cannabis legalisation in the state.
Australia previously held a plebiscite on legalising same-sex marriage.
Upper House MP Rachel Payne said the Government should "let the people decide."
A Victorian Government spokesperson told TDA there are "no plans" to change existing laws.
Here's what you need to know.
Cannabis laws
It is illegal to grow or possess cannabis for recreational use in Australia, aside from in the ACT, where it has been decriminalised in some cases.
Since January 2020, adults in the territory can possess 50g of dried or 150g of fresh cannabis.
Individuals can grow up to two plants, with a four plant limit per household.
The drug can only be consumed in the home and is still illegal to be sold.
In all other jurisdictions, it is legal only for medicinal use with a prescription.
Plebiscite
You've heard the word before, but what actually is a plebiscite?
Put simply, it's a public vote about a proposed law.
It is different to a referendum, which is a vote on changing the Constitution.
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Plebiscites show a government the public sentiment on a specific idea, but do not have legal force.
In 2017, Australians voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage through a postal vote.
The Federal Parliament passed the actual law later that year.
Proposal
On 29 July, Legalise Cannabis Victoria introduced a bill into the state's Legislative Council (upper house) proposing a plebiscite on legalising cannabis for recreational purposes.
The party criticised the dedication of police, court and prison resources towards criminalising the drug, and said First Nations Victorians are 11 times more likely to be arrested for possessing cannabis than non-Indigenous people.
It also pointed to data showing the majority of Victorians are in favour of legalising cannabis.
"I have been talking to politicians from all parties for four years and it is very rare that a single one of them says they don't agree with cannabis law reform... they just lack the courage to do it.
So let the people decide."
Legalise Cannabis Victoria Legislative Council MP Rachel Payne.
Response
A State Government spokesperson told TDA: "There remains no plans to change laws regarding personal use or possession of cannabis at this time."
They said the Government will "continue to work to reduce harm associated with cannabis through coordinated effort and evidence-based action."
The Opposition did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
Victoria heads to an election in late November.







