Cannabis in Rowville: Legal Status, Usage, and Changing Perceptions

Rowville, a suburban area in Melbourne’s southeast, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, parks, and quiet residential streets. However, like many parts of Australia, cannabis use is a topic of debate, with some residents supporting reform and others cautious about its effects. While medicinal cannabis is legal under strict regulations, recreational use remains illegal in Victoria.

Cannabis Laws in Rowville and Victoria

1. Recreational Cannabis: Still Illegal

Victoria has not legalized recreational cannabis, and possession, use, or cultivation can lead to legal consequences.

• Small amounts (up to 50 grams) for personal use may result in a caution instead of criminal charges, especially for first-time offenders.
• Larger amounts, distribution, or cultivation are considered criminal offenses, with the potential for fines, community service, or even jail time.
• Buying or selling cannabis remains illegal, with the black market being the primary source for users.

Despite these laws, cannabis use is relatively common in Rowville, especially among young adults and medical users.

2. Medicinal Cannabis: Legal but Restricted

Australia legalized medicinal cannabis in 2016, but access remains limited.

• Patients must have a prescription from an authorized doctor and meet strict eligibility requirements.
• Conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, and anxiety may qualify for treatment.
• The high cost of medicinal cannabis and bureaucratic hurdles mean many patients still rely on illegal sources.

Some Rowville residents use medicinal cannabis legally, while others seek alternatives due to cost or difficulty obtaining prescriptions.

3. Driving and Cannabis Use

Victoria has strict drug-driving laws, which apply even to medicinal cannabis users.

• Roadside drug tests detect THC, regardless of whether the driver is impaired or not.
• A positive test leads to penalties, including fines, demerit points, or license suspension.
• This has led to controversy, as some argue that medicinal users should not be penalized if they are not impaired.

Public Attitudes Toward Cannabis in Rowville

Cannabis use in Rowville is gaining more acceptance, especially for medicinal purposes.

• Some residents believe legalization or decriminalization would be beneficial, reducing black-market activity and increasing safety.
• Others are concerned about potential health risks, especially regarding mental health and addiction.
• The Victorian government has begun discussions on drug law reform, but change has been slow.

The Future of Cannabis in Victoria

While Victoria has not yet legalized recreational cannabis, there is growing pressure to reconsider current laws.

• In 2022, a parliamentary inquiry recommended decriminalization, but no action has been taken yet.
• The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has already decriminalized personal use, setting a potential precedent.
• If cannabis laws continue evolving, Rowville and the rest of Victoria may see more relaxed policies in the future.

For now, cannabis in Rowville remains illegal for recreational use, with medicinal access improving but still limited. The conversation around reform continues, as public perception shifts and policymakers weigh the potential benefits and risks.