What is Weed?

Weed or marijuana is what many people call the plant cannabis, which is a part of the Cannabaceae family. It contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are compounds that interact with certain receptors in our Central Nervous System and Endocannabinoid System.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) involves cannabinoids that are naturally produced by our own bodies. These cannabinoids are present and active whether or not you use cannabis. Just as there is ongoing research into cannabis and medical marijuana in Australia, the ECS is still being studied. Currently, research suggests the ECS maintains the body’s homeostasis and is linked to regulating sleep, mood, appetite, and the reproductive system.

When it comes to medical marijuana and other forms of weed, the two main types of cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is responsible for the most well-known effects of cannabis, such as the high or euphoria. This is due to its strong psychoactive properties. It is also the cause of many negative side effects of marijuana, such as anxiety, confusion, or hallucinations.

At present, the CBD cannabinoid is considered to have anti-psychoactive properties and may be used to reduce or manage the negative effects of THC.

Is Weed Legal in Australia?

In Australia, buying weed/cannabis products is illegal. It is also illegal to grow, possess, use or sell any form of cannabis. Some of these acts have been decriminalised in certain states of Australia, most notably in the ACT. As of 31 January 2020, for residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), penalties have been removed if you possess, grow, and/or use a small amount of marijuana.

This decriminalisation of weed in the ACT was done in the hopes of helping those that are currently using the drug and wish to seek support without legal penalty. Smoking weed or using medicinal cannabis in public is still illegal in the ACT. If you are wondering if this includes THC vapes, yes it does. Using THC vapes, joints, or other cannabis products in public, even if you believe no one can see you, are still an illegal act.

Laws for cannabis differ from state to state, this includes the use of medicinal cannabis. All forms of medicinal cannabis, apart from Nabiximols and schedule 3 cannabidiol products, are unapproved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). As an unapproved therapeutic good, medical marijuana is not included in the Australian Register of the Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). A person cannot access any unapproved medical item without the help of an Authorised Prescriber or applying for the Special Access Scheme through a medical practitioner.    

In short, for those asking, “is marijuana legal in Australia?” It is not. For some Australians, there are laws, and/or access schemes that allow a person to use or possess marijuana without penalty, but it depends on the state. Cannabis should only be accessed safely and legally.