Cannabis in Frankston East: Legal Landscape and Public Attitudes

Frankston East, a suburb in Melbourne’s southeast, has seen growing discussions around cannabis use, legalization, and enforcement. While recreational cannabis remains illegal in Victoria, attitudes are shifting, especially with medicinal cannabis becoming more accessible. Frankston East, like many suburbs, has a mix of supporters and opponents of cannabis use, leading to ongoing debates.

Cannabis Laws in Frankston East

1. Recreational Cannabis: Illegal but Decriminalized for Small Amounts

Victoria has some of the most progressive cannabis laws in Australia, but recreational use is still illegal.

• Possession of up to 50 grams can lead to a caution instead of criminal charges, especially for first-time offenders.
• Repeat offenders or those with larger amounts may face fines or criminal charges.
• Police presence in Frankston and surrounding areas means enforcement varies, with some residents reporting frequent drug-related stops and searches.

Despite prohibition, cannabis use remains common, with many people purchasing from illegal suppliers or growing small amounts at home.

2. Medicinal Cannabis: Legal but Not Easily Accessible

Victoria was the first Australian state to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2016, making it available to patients with certain conditions.

• Patients must get a prescription from an approved doctor and apply through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
• Conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety can qualify, but not all doctors are comfortable prescribing it.
• Cost is a major barrier, as medicinal cannabis is not covered by Medicare, leading some people to seek black-market alternatives.

Many Frankston East residents have started exploring legal medicinal cannabis options, but some still turn to illegal sources due to cost and accessibility issues.

3. Drug Driving Laws and Cannabis Use

Victoria has strict drug-driving laws, which impact both recreational and medicinal cannabis users.

• Roadside drug tests detect THC, even if a person is not impaired at the time.
• A positive test can lead to fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.
• Many medicinal cannabis users struggle with legal risks, as they may take cannabis legally but still face consequences for driving.

This has sparked debate over whether medicinal cannabis patients should have exemptions, or if current laws need to be updated.

Public Attitudes Toward Cannabis in Frankston East

Like much of Australia, Frankston East has divided opinions on cannabis.

• Older and conservative residents often support strict drug laws, associating cannabis with crime and mental health issues.
• Younger residents and progressive groups argue for legalization, pointing to successful models in countries like Canada and parts of the U.S..
• The presence of illegal grow houses and drug-related crime in Frankston has led to negative perceptions of cannabis in some communities.

The Future of Cannabis in Victoria

While recreational cannabis is still illegal, Victoria has taken steps toward reform.

• In 2023, the Victorian Greens proposed a bill to legalize personal cannabis use, but it faced opposition.
• The ACT decriminalized cannabis, sparking discussions about similar changes in Victoria.
• Advocates argue that legalization could reduce black-market activity and create tax revenue, while opponents worry about health risks and youth exposure.

For now, cannabis remains illegal in Frankston East, but changing attitudes and policy debates suggest that the future could bring reforms.