Cannabis in Berwick: A Changing Landscape

Berwick, a rapidly developing suburb in Melbourne’s southeast, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, parks, and growing commercial hubs. While it may not have the same reputation for cannabis culture as inner-city suburbs, the conversation around weed in Berwick is becoming more relevant as laws, attitudes, and accessibility evolve.

Cannabis Laws in Berwick

Like the rest of Victoria, Berwick follows strict regulations on cannabis use, possession, and distribution. While some parts of Australia are exploring decriminalization, Victoria remains firm on prohibiting recreational cannabis.

1. Recreational Cannabis: Still Illegal

Possession of small amounts (under 50g) may lead to a police caution and an education program rather than an arrest for first-time offenders.
Repeated offenses or possession of larger amounts can result in fines or imprisonment.
Selling and cultivating cannabis without a license is a serious criminal offense.

Despite these laws, cannabis use is relatively common in Berwick, especially among young adults and alternative health users.

2. Medicinal Cannabis: A Legal Alternative

Since 2016, medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia, but access remains a challenge for many. Patients can only obtain medicinal cannabis if they:

Have a doctor’s prescription.
Meet strict eligibility criteria (such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis).
Can afford it, as medicinal cannabis is not covered by Medicare and can be expensive.

Because of these barriers, some residents turn to black market sources, despite the risks.

3. Drug Driving: A Major Concern

Victoria has zero-tolerance drug driving laws, meaning drivers cannot have any THC in their system, even if they are legally prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Since THC can remain in the body for days or weeks, people using cannabis medicinally or recreationally risk license suspension if they are drug tested. This policy is a major point of controversy, with advocates pushing for reform.

Cannabis Use in Berwick

While Berwick may not have a well-known cannabis scene, the suburb still reflects broader trends in Victoria, such as:

Increased interest in medicinal cannabis for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep.
Young adults and students using cannabis recreationally.
A shift in public opinion, with growing support for decriminalization.

Some residents even grow small amounts at home, despite the risks of fines or legal action.

The Future of Cannabis in Victoria

As the conversation around cannabis legalization continues in Australia, many believe Victoria will eventually follow states like the ACT, which has decriminalized possession for personal use. If this happens, it could:

Reduce criminal charges for minor offenses.
Boost the economy through legal sales and taxation.
Make safer, regulated cannabis available instead of black market options.

For now, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Berwick, but legal for approved medicinal users. With public opinion shifting, Berwick—like the rest of Victoria—may see new changes in cannabis laws in the near future.