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Australia Cannabis
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ContáctenosMajority of Australians Support Cannabis Legalization, and Legislators are Taking Notice
Cannabis Legislation in Australia
For decades there has been a conversation in Australia about decriminalizing cannabis. Recent research now indicates that the majority (66%) of the Australian population supports decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Legislative trends toward legalization in Australia are picking up speed as community attitudes change.
Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Australia
Growing cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes was legalized under federal law in 2016. Low-THC hemp foods were then legalized federally in 2017. Recreational use, though, remains prohibited under federal law. Similarly, at the state and territory level it is mostly illegal to use, possess, grow, and sell cannabis.
Proposed Legislation for Legalizing Recreational Cannabis in Australia
If passed, the Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023 would change the federal landscape. It would legalize cannabis for adult recreational use in Australia. The Bill would establish the Cannabis Australia National Agency as a statutory agency to register cannabis strains and regulate cannabis activities. These activities include growing and possessing plants, processing, manufacturing, and selling cannabis products, operating cannabis cafes, and importing and exporting cannabis products.
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is presently conducting an inquiry into the Bill. The Bill is expected to be debated in federal parliament later this year. Despite shifting public attitudes federal legalization may still be a way off. The federal Bill has been promoted by a minority party and it does not have the support of the ruling party or the major opposition party. It also lacks the support of the Australian Medical Association.
Just as in the United States, cannabis legislation in Australia at the state level has been out of step with federal legislation, but there is rapid change afoot. Since 2020, possession of small amounts of cannabis, growing small numbers of plants, and using cannabis at home have been legalized in the Australian Capital Territory. The New South Wales parliament is now considering bills for legalization, including for medicinal users while driving. In Victoria, parliament is debating measures that would allow adults to legally possess small quantities of marijuana for personal use.
Australia’s state legislatures will move at different speeds on this issue, but undeniably they are moving quickly in response to public sentiment, which shows majority support for legalization of adult/recreational cannabis.
Legal Support for Cannabis Businesses in Australia
Our Australian Cannabis Services
Our Australia cannabis services include:
- Import compliance
- Advertising compliance
- Therapeutic Goods Act compliance
- Constitución de sociedades
- Protección de la propiedad intelectual
- Contratos
- Inmobiliaria
- Inbound and outbound cannabis business transactions
- Litigios y resolución alternativa de conflictos
- Derecho laboral
- Inversión extranjera directa
Harris Sliwoski’s bold, innovative, and connected approach has made us a leading name in international law, and we are staunchly committed to our clients’ success.
Preparing for Legalization in Australia
Australia’s state legislatures will move at different speeds on cannabis legalization, but undeniably they are moving in response to public sentiment, which shows increasing support for legalization of adult/recreational cannabis;
The trend toward legalization for adult/recreational use of cannabis in Australia is clear, and with a population of over 25 million, Australia is an exciting market for cannabis businesses. Indeed, in 2018 the Australian Federal Parliamentary Budget Office found that taxing and regulating cannabis could provide up to $1.5 billion (USD) to the Australian economy annually.
As in other jurisdictions, medical cannabis is leading the way in Australia, and we have seen in other jurisdictions that the companies licensed to deliver medical cannabis products and services are often best positioned to thrive when adult/recreational use is legalized. As a result, now is a good time for interested parties to think about moving forward with their Australian cannabis plans.
Today, the race is on for market share in the cannabis industry around the world as laws continue to change. Harris Sliwoski has a long history of providing international cannabis ventures with the legal planning, regulatory support, corporate and transactional guidance, and compliance strategies they need. Our lawyers – who have on-the-ground experience in nearly two dozen countries – understand international laws, legal systems, regulatory environments, and the broader global trade context, and are well known for vetting, structuring and closing complex cross-border transactions. Many of us are leading speakers, thinkers, and advocates in the highly dynamic cannabis sector.
If you’re contemplating a cannabis business venture of any kind in Australia, you will need legal support.
Understanding Australia Cannabis Guidelines
As in the United States and other areas of the world, Australian cannabis law has undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2016, the parliament amended the Narcotic Drugs Act to legalize cannabis growing for scientific and medical applications. In 2017, Food Standards Australia New Zealand made human consumption of hemp legal.
While recreational cannabis use is largely illegal in Australia, the rules differ in each of the country’s eight states. An experienced Australian cannabis lawyer can help you understand the guidelines that apply to your area:
- New South Wales: While the use, supply and possession of cannabis is still illegal in NSW, individuals with less than 15 grams will only receive a warning for a first offense. Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis upon approval.
- Victoria: Recreational cannabis use is illegal, although first offenders with 50 grams or less typically receive a warning and directions to attend drug counseling. Possessing 250 grams or 10 plants is considered trafficking.
- South Australia: Cannabis flower, oil and resin are illegal to keep, sell or gift to others in South Australia. Individuals convicted of trafficking can receive up to a $1 million (AUD) fine and 15 years to life in prison.
- Western Australia: In Western Australia, the possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis results in an intervention process to avoid a conviction. Having more than 10 grams and up to 100 grams carries a fine and two years in jail.
- Tasmania: General practitioners can prescribe cannabis if they deem it medically appropriate and receive Commonwealth and state approval. However, unsanctioned possession of cannabis and the utensils to prepare, smoke or inhale it are illegal. Police may issue up to three warnings for possessing less than 50 grams.
- Northern Territory: Possession of even a small amount of cannabis in a public area in the NT can lead to imprisonment. Having less than 50 grams in a private residence can result in a fine. Cultivating five plants or less can also lead to imprisonment, and more than 20 plants carries a maximum lifetime sentence.
- Queensland: In Queensland, the growing and recreational use of cannabis are illegal under four different acts. Supply, production and trafficking carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Medical practitioners can prescribe cannabis with proper authorization.
- Australian Capital Territory: ACT residents aged 18 or older can legally possess up to 50 grams of dry cannabis or 150 grams of wet product. They can also grow up to two plants per individual and four per household. Exceeding these limits can result in fines but no criminal charges.
A Harris Sliwoski Australian cannabis attorney can further advise you regarding state-specific legalities.
EL GALARDONADOCANNA LAW BLOG
CANNA LAW BLOG
Un recurso útil y oportuno para el sector del cannabis
Más allá de asesorar y defender a clientes particulares, nuestros abogados especializados en cannabis se comprometen a fortalecer, defender y reforzar la credibilidad del sector en su conjunto. Los abogados Harris Sliwoskiespecializados en el sector del cannabis son más que simples estrategas jurídicos: son líderes de opinión, blogueros con visión de futuro, formadores, escritores y conferenciantes.
Our cannabis business lawyers regularly write articles for legal journals and frequently post to our acclaimed and widely followed Canna Law Blog. We speak to business and trade groups, academic institutions, and government bodies on a variety of cannabis legal issues, and our cannabis lawyers are frequently quoted by global, national, and local media outlets. We also have compiled a living Cannabis Glossary, to help with industry terminology.
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Harris Sliwoski nos ha guiadoHarris Sliwoski en el proceso de constitución de nuestra empresa. Siguen ayudándonos con los trámites de registro necesarios y con el cumplimiento de numerosas normativas. Han sabido responder con rapidez a todas nuestras numerosas preguntas y ofrecernos opciones claras, explicaciones y consejos prácticos. Esperamos seguir recurriendo a Harris Sliwoski forma habitual a medida que nuestra empresa crezca. También nos presentaron a otros expertos profesionales. No dudaríamos en recomendar Harris Sliwoski cualquier empresa que necesite asesoramiento jurídico».
Three Continents Foods, S.L.U.
Este bufete de abogados nos prestó una ayuda inestimable durante el proceso de obtención de la licencia comercial en el sector del cannabis de California. Nos han ayudado a resolver diversas cuestiones legales con gran rapidez, manteniéndonos informados en todo momento a lo largo del proceso. Todas las personas con las que hemos trabajado enHarris Sliwoski expertas en su campo y siempre hemos tenido la sensación de estar en buenas manos gracias a su representación legal.
Wil Crummer, director ejecutivo PRO Farms
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Aaron Draplin, fundador Draplin Design Co.
Estoy muy satisfecho con este bufete de abogados. Respondieron a todas mis preguntas sobre los negocios relacionados con el cannabis y el marco normativo de California en materia de cannabis, y me han ayudado con diversos asuntos legales de forma rápida y eficaz, manteniéndose siempre en comunicación clara con nosotros durante todo el proceso. Además, me recomendaron a otros profesionales de confianza para satisfacer las necesidades de mi negocio. Todas las personas con las que trabajé en Harris Sliwoski expertas en su campo, y me sentí en buenas manos durante toda la representación legal.
Corey T., director ejecutivo Thinc Cubed, LLC
Harris Sliwoski de 20 años colaborando con los abogados de Harris Sliwoski tanto en mi calidad de empresario como de directivo de un gran sistema sanitario de la costa este, y ello se debe a que siempre me han prestado un asesoramiento en derecho internacional de gran calidad, claro y eficaz. Más recientemente, Harris Sliwoski apoyo jurídico en numerosos asuntos relacionados con la adquisición de productos médicos en todo el mundo. Su apoyo fue especialmente útil durante el inicio de la pandemia de COVID, cuando existía una gran necesidad de conseguir EPI rápidamente, al tiempo que había que lidiar con complicados requisitos legales internacionales y nacionales. El equipo de abogados internacionales Harris Sliwoskinos ayudó llevando a cabo una rápida diligencia debida sobre posibles proveedores, gestionando los trámites legales para obtener productos del extranjero y pasar por la aduana de EE. UU., y redactando contratos para protegernos frente a todo tipo de imprevistos. Lo hicieron prestando, en esencia, un servicio 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana. No puedo recomendarlos lo suficiente.
Dan Pak Responsable de la cadena de suministro hospitalaria
Harris Sliwoski años representando Harris Sliwoski nuestra empresa en el sector del cannabis legal. Harris Sliwoski asesorado en una amplia variedad de asuntos jurídicos y son auténticos expertos en su campo. Recomiendo encarecidamente Harris Sliwoski cualquiera que tenga dudas sobre la legislación del cannabis o cualquier otro asunto jurídico. Han sido de gran ayuda para nuestra empresa y seguirán guiándonos a medida que evolucione nuestro sector.
Matt Hurt, director de operaciones Cannabis Nation
No encontrarás un socio mejor que Harris Sliwoski orientarte en el complejo mundo de la normativa sanitaria. No solo ofrecen un asesoramiento jurídico sólido y fiable, sino que además son muy receptivos y saben orientarte de tal manera que te ayuden a alcanzar tus objetivos empresariales.
Joseph Axelrod, director jurídico Irwin Naturals
Cuando iniciamos el proceso de creación de una empresa de cannabis «de la semilla a la venta» en Oregón, nos dimos cuenta de que necesitábamos el asesoramiento jurídico de expertos. El sector del cannabis está plagado de posibles riesgos a cada paso, y queríamos contar con el mejor asesoramiento jurídico que pudiéramos encontrar. Tras hablar con varios bufetes y profesionales, nos sentimos muy afortunados de haber elegido Harris Sliwoski nuestro asesor jurídico.
Tony Theiss, director ejecutivo y cofundador Redbarn Cannabis
Recurrimos a Harris Sliwoski todos nuestros asuntos jurídicos internacionales, incluidos los litigios internacionales. En los últimos años nos hemos visto envueltos en un par de grandes disputas legales internacionales y el equipo de resolución de disputas internacionales Harris Sliwoskinos proporcionó asistencia jurídica especializada en ambos asuntos. Siempre se esforzaron por explicarnos con detalle qué estaban haciendo y por qué, así como el coste aproximado de sus acciones en términos de honorarios legales. Y lo más importante: obtuvimos unos resultados excelentes en ambos casos y no me cabe duda de que Harris Sliwoski un factor determinante en ello.
Kevin English, director ejecutivo We Are Camp
Hemos recurrido Harris Sliwoski asesoramiento jurídico en relación con nuestras actividades de fabricación a nivel internacional. Los abogados con los que trabajé conocían a la perfección las cuestiones jurídicas internacionales que afectaban a nuestros diversos proyectos y nos proporcionaron información clave. Valoro especialmente que siempre cumplan lo prometido de forma rápida y eficaz, y que siempre se mantengan dentro de los presupuestos estimados.
Andrea Barona Valladolid, asesora jurídica sénior Fairphone