Federal Government wants to see 'evidence' legalising cannabis is a good idea
By Tom Lowrey
Updated 13 Oct 2019, 1:35pm
A row is brewing between the ACT and Federal Government over controversial moves to legalise cannabis in Canberra from early next year.
Key points:
Possessing, growing and smoking cannabis will be legal in the ACT from early next yearThe Federal Government is unhappy with the legislation, questioning it on multiple frontsHealth Minister Greg Hunt wants to see what evidence the ACT considered before the legislation was passed
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has penned a letter to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, calling on him to produce any evidence he considered before supporting the legislation, regarding the health impacts of cannabis.
The ACT Government last month passed legislation legalising possessing, smoking and growing small amounts of cannabis from early next year.
Adults can possess up to 50 grams of dry cannabis and grow two plants.
The passage of the laws appeared to take many within the Federal Government by surprise, and prompted a strong response, with some senior Government ministers labelling it "crazy" and suggesting the ACT Government was spending "too much time smoking hooch".
Mr Hunt wrote to Mr Barr this week detailing his concerns around the potential health impacts of the legislation, and querying how his Government came to support the private members bill.
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