Users' questions

How does medical marijuana work in South Australia?

How does medical marijuana work in South Australia?

The South Australian Controlled Substances Act 1984 regulates the prescribing and supply of medicines in South Australia and applies to medicinal cannabis products. A section 18A authority to prescribe a medicinal cannabis product that is a Schedule 8 controlled drug (drug of dependence) is required:

Is it illegal to smoke cannabis in South Australia?

There’s a common misconception when it comes to cannabis law in SA, so let me clarify: weed is still very much illegal. To possess, smoke, or distribute it constitutes an offence under the Controlled Substances Act 1984. That said, the expiation system in place there makes it far less of a risk to possess small amounts than in other states.

When did medicinal cannabis become legal in Australia?

On 24 February 2016, Australia legalised medicinal cannabis at the federal level. On 25 September 2019, the Australia Capital Territory passed a bill to make the ACT the first region in Australia to legalise marijuana for personal use as of 31 January 2020, although the laws conflict with federal laws which prohibit recreational use of cannabis.

What are the drug laws in South Australia?

In South Australia, amphetamines (PDF 127KB) are declared as drugs of dependence under regulation 7 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011. Amphetamines are also controlled drugs under section 4 (1) of the Controlled Substances Act 1984.

The South Australian Controlled Substances Act 1984 regulates the prescribing and supply of medicines in South Australia and applies to medicinal cannabis products. A section 18A authority to prescribe a medicinal cannabis product that is a Schedule 8 controlled drug (drug of dependence) is required:

There’s a common misconception when it comes to cannabis law in SA, so let me clarify: weed is still very much illegal. To possess, smoke, or distribute it constitutes an offence under the Controlled Substances Act 1984. That said, the expiation system in place there makes it far less of a risk to possess small amounts than in other states.

When did medicinal cannabis become legal in SA?

Patients in South Australia can access medicinal cannabis medicines as a result of federal legislative changes which came into effect in November 2016 and the development of a patient access pathway.

In South Australia, amphetamines (PDF 127KB) are declared as drugs of dependence under regulation 7 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011. Amphetamines are also controlled drugs under section 4 (1) of the Controlled Substances Act 1984.