Cocaine And Heroin Not A Crime In This City, Young Canadians Less Keen On Legal Weed & More

Cocaine And Heroin Possession No Longer A Crime In Australia's Capital

A new policy eliminating criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of illegal drugs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became effective on Saturday, reported Marijuana Moment.

The city of Canberra approved the decriminalization of low-level possession of illicit drugs, including psilocybin, heroin and cocaine last year. The Legislative Assembly approved the measure from MP Michael Pettersson of the Labor Party for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in a 13-6 vote in October 2022.

Under the law, those caught possessing small amounts of eight drugs will be punished by a fine, warning, or taking part in a drug diversion program instead of jail time.

The possession limit for each drug under the new proposal:

• Cocaine: 1.5 grams
• Heroin: 2 grams
• MDMA: 3 grams
• Methamphetamine: 1.5 grams
• Amphetamine: 2 grams
• Psilocybin: 2 grams
• Lysergic acid: 2 milligrams
• LSD: 2 milligrams

Younger Canadians Less Supportive Of Marijuana Legalization

A recent survey by Research Co. and Glacier Media showed that nearly two-thirds, or 64% of those asked, support marijuana legalization in Canada. On the contrary, 31% opposed it, while 6% said they were undecided on the issue.

Canada took a bold step by legalizing recreational cannabis in Oct. 2018. At the time, the aim was to enhance public health, improve safety and reduce the associated legal consequences and crime rates.

The results, based on an online study conducted earlier this month among 1,000 adults in Canada, also showed that 69% of those asked support the federal government providing expungements to those convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

Nearly 60% believe that in light of marijuana legalization, companies should have the authority to conduct drug tests on their employees.

Mario Canseco, president of Research Co. said those aged 55 and above showed more support for policy change as opposed to those aged 34 and younger.

"Support for the legalization of marijuana is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (66%)," Canseco said. "The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 18-to-34 (48%)."

Public Opinion On Marijuana To Play Major Role At Bahamas' Party Convention

The Progressive Liberal Party members are scheduled to touch on the issue of recreational marijuana use legalization during the party's 55th national convention on November 9 and 10, reported The Tribune, citing Senator Quinton Lightbourne, the event's co-chair.

"Additionally, attendees will be given an opportunity to score the government's performance, and it promises to be an insightful reflection of the public's view on these pivotal topics," Lightbourne said during last week's press conference.

Besides marijuana, the politicians will also discuss marital rape and transitioning to a republic.

In August, the Bahamian government introduced multiple bills to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal and religious purposes while also seeking to decriminalize the possession of small quantities, reported ABC News.

Premier Champions Cannabis Industry In Rural South Africa

The premier of KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal South African province, recently encouraged the rural communities of Bergville to embrace the legalization of cannabis as a chance to break free from poverty, reported The Citizen.

Nomusa Dube-Ncube emphasized the cannabis sector is considered a formal sector offering many job opportunities.

"Nowadays, we talk about vehicle seats made from cannabis, fabrics and many other items," Dube-Ncube said. "As rural communities, who in the past fought battles with authorities over the cultivation of cannabis, you should take full advantage of the fact that the cultivation of this plant is now legal."

Dube-Ncube also touted South Africa's role in the global cannabis market.

"We are further informed by economists that the cannabis market is estimated to reach $146 billion (R2,752 billion) by the end of 2025. South Africa is predicted to become a major player," she said.

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