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 received, 7th of January 2025:
I thank the member for her question.
The Victorian Government recognises that cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in Victoria and the effects of cannabis can vary from one person to another.
The Victorian Government has no plans to decriminalise cannabis use or possession and will continue to work across government to prevent and reduce the harms associated with cannabis through coordinated effort and evidence-based action.
We know that health-led policies towards drug use yield positive social and economic outcomes, and that law enforcement alone doesn’t address the issue.
Further work is underway to consider how drug use can be better addressed as a health issue and a law enforcement issue. This includes research into enhancing diversion pathways from the criminal justice system for people who engage in low-level drug offending and continuing to invest in our specialist AOD treatment system.
Ingrid Stitt MP
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Ageing
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
Related:
> LEGALISE IT – Rachel Payne
> Cannabis-related arrests – Rachel Payne
> Cannabis decriminalisation frees up police resources – Rachel Payne
