Cannabis in Cairns: Laws, Usage, and the Future

Cairns, known for its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, is also a city where cannabis laws remain strict under Queensland legislation. Despite its illegal status for recreational use, the discussion around cannabis decriminalization and medical use continues to grow in Australia, including in Cairns.

Cannabis Laws in Cairns

In Queensland, cannabis is classified as an illegal drug, and the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 outlines the penalties for its possession, use, and distribution. This means that:

• Recreational cannabis use is illegal in Cairns, as it is across Queensland.
• Possession of cannabis can lead to fines, criminal records, or even imprisonment.
• Medical cannabis is legal but highly regulated, requiring a doctor’s prescription.

Penalties for Cannabis Possession in Cairns

If caught with cannabis, the penalties depend on the amount and circumstances:

• Small amounts (under 50g) → First-time offenders may be eligible for a police drug diversion program instead of facing criminal charges.
• Larger amounts or repeat offenses → Heavier fines and possible jail time apply.
• Intent to distribute or cultivate → Can lead to severe legal consequences, including significant prison sentences.

While Queensland has not decriminalized cannabis, police often use discretion when dealing with minor possession cases, offering diversion programs instead of criminal charges.

Medical Cannabis in Cairns

Since 2016, medical cannabis has been legal across Australia, but strict regulations still make it difficult for some patients to access it.

Who Can Get Medical Cannabis?

Patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, multiple sclerosis, and other serious conditions may qualify for medical cannabis. However, they must:

1. See a doctor authorized to prescribe medical cannabis.
2. Get approval through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or an Authorized Prescriber.
3. Purchase legal medical cannabis from a registered pharmacy.

Challenges in Accessing Medical Cannabis

• High costs—Medical cannabis is not covered by Medicare, making it expensive.
• Strict regulations—Many patients struggle to get a prescription.
• Limited doctors prescribing it—Not all GPs are willing to prescribe cannabis-based treatments.

Due to these obstacles, some patients turn to black market cannabis instead of legal medical cannabis.

Cannabis Use in Cairns

Despite the legal restrictions, cannabis remains popular in Cairns, especially among younger adults and those in creative or alternative communities.

Who Uses Cannabis in Cairns?

• Young adults and students—Cannabis is commonly used in social settings.
• Medical users—Some people use cannabis for pain relief and anxiety.
• Tourists and backpackers—Many visitors to Cairns are interested in cannabis, though its illegal status means they must be cautious.

How People Use Cannabis in Cairns

• Smoking (joints, pipes, and bongs)—Most common method.
• Vaping—A more discreet and health-conscious option.
• Edibles and oils—Growing in popularity among medical users.

The Future of Cannabis in Cairns

1. Will Queensland Decriminalize Cannabis?

Queensland remains one of the stricter states when it comes to cannabis laws. However, other parts of Australia, such as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), have decriminalized personal cannabis use.

As public support for cannabis reform grows, Queensland may consider decriminalization in the future, but no concrete plans exist yet.

2. Expanding Medical Cannabis Access

With more awareness and acceptance of medical cannabis, access could improve, leading to:

• More doctors willing to prescribe cannabis.
• Lower prices as local production increases.
• More conditions being approved for treatment.

3. Possible Legalization in the Long Term

Australia is seeing a national conversation about cannabis legalization. If other states move toward decriminalization or legalization, Queensland may follow, potentially allowing legal cannabis use in Cairns in the future.

Conclusion

For now, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Cairns, with strict penalties for possession. However, medical cannabis is legal and available to those who meet strict criteria. While cannabis use is common, particularly among younger people and tourists, those caught with it risk legal consequences.

With changing attitudes toward cannabis in Australia, Cairns could see legal reforms in the future, but for now, Queensland’s strict laws remain in place.