Rachel asked a question on behalf of a constituent. Like so many others, Rachel’s constituent uses cannabis for pain management. Given the Government’s recent rejection of cannabis reform recommendations, Rachel inquired on the criminalisation of vulnerable community members.
Wednesday the 15th of October 2025,
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Mental Health. My constituent is a resident of Rowville. She is a pensioner who consumes cannabis to manage severe health conditions.
Cannabis helps her manage her pain so she can attend regular volunteer shifts at the local op shop and connect with her community. But in Victoria she is considered a criminal because she cannot afford medicinal cannabis and instead grows her own.
My constituent called my office yesterday to express her deep disappointment at the government’s decision to not decriminalise cannabis. Like her, thousands of people in the south-east are cannabis consumers. I got elected with Legalise Cannabis Victoria by the people of the south-east for this very issue.
My constituent asks: how will the minister ensure vulnerable people in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, like my constituent, are not criminalised?
[Written response pending]
Related:
> LEGALISE IT – Rachel Payne
> Cannabis-related arrests – Rachel Payne
> Cannabis decriminalisation frees up police resources – Rachel Payne
