❓ Dr. Woollard questions the delay in amending the Cannabis Control Act, citing mental health concerns. Minister McGinty explains the progressive recommendations and ongoing drafting process, promising introduction soon after the winter recess.
AnsweredQoN 333Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CANNABIS CONTROL ACT — REVIEW
The government had the review of the Cannabis Control Act and it has had the recommendations of the review for some eight months now. We know that several hundred people will have sought acute and chronic mental health services because juveniles and adults are not aware of the serious adverse mental and physical health problems associated with cannabis use. (1) Why has it taken so long for the government to bring amendments to that act into this house? (2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY
The government had the review of the Cannabis Control Act and it has had the recommendations of the review for some eight months now. We know that several hundred people will have sought acute and chronic mental health services because juveniles and adults are not aware of the serious adverse mental and physical health problems associated with cannabis use. (1) Why has it taken so long for the government to bring amendments to that act into this house? (2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(1) Why has it taken so long for the government to bring amendments to that act into this house? (2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(1) Why has it taken so long for the government to bring amendments to that act into this house? (2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(2) Will the minister give a commitment that the amendments to that act will be introduced urgently after the winter recess? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
(1)-(2) The review of the Cannabis Control Act, which was completed late last year, came up with a number of what I think are very progressive recommendations. They include things like halving the amount of cannabis that would attract a cannabis infringement notice and therefore trigger involvement in that diversionary scheme. It incorporated juveniles for the first time within its ambit, which I think is critically important. Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Dr J.M. Woollard : All juveniles who — Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Just hear me out and let me explain this. The review outlined that when juveniles are currently caught with a small amount of cannabis, they face no consequences, but this change would bring them within the scheme to provide one-on-one counselling to confront the health effects of their behaviour of consuming cannabis. I think that is great. The review also proposed to exclude from the CIN or diversionary scheme the cultivation of up to two plants, which is again a very positive move in my view. With these matters, there are always very important details to be sorted out. A number of issues were raised when we gave detailed consideration to that report. Having had the government commit to its recommendations, we then set about giving priority to drafting. We are now completing that process, and I hope it will be able to be introduced to Parliament very soon after we return. Matters are not yet complete, but we are certainly attacking it in a diligent way to ensure that we get the best possible scheme that will look to the health benefits, particularly for young people, and people with small amounts of cannabis in their possession. This process will particularly focus on those young people with a view to diverting them away from the criminal justice system and promoting their better health.
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