Western Australia Prime Minister McGowan criticizes proposal to legalize cannabis

Through Nina Zdinjak

Legalize Cannabis Australia, a smaller, single-issue political party, recently proposed allowing Western Australians to own up to 50 grams of cannabis and allowing households to grow up to four plants. Upper House MPs Brian Walker and Sophia Moermond plan to introduce marijuana legislation next year, WAtoday reported.

Western Australian Prime Minister Mark McGowan isn’t too keen on the idea, however. On Tuesday he said he would use Labor’s control of both houses to block the bill.

Photo by Jamie Davies via Unsplash

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“Free cannabis is not our policy. They just suggest that anyone can grow it wherever they want. We don’t. It’s just not an issue I want to deal with at this point,” McGowan told ABC Radio.

“We allow medicinal cannabis for people with arthritis or cancer or whatever. That is the policy at this point.”

Previously, small amounts of marijuana were decriminalized under the ACT as of January 2020. The territory’s Labor government also signaled it would support bill decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of cocaine, MDMA and heroin.

Legalize Cannabis WA’s proposal would also allow for licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Cannabis is becoming a serious issue that @MarkMcGowanMP needs to address. This natural plant will only make WA better – socially, financially and medicinally. Join the @LCWAparty today to add your voice to this movement. 💚 Be a part of WA history! #Legalize cannabis #wapol #AusPol https://t.co/WWWT27BryW

– dr Brian Walker MLC (@BrianWalkerMLC) June 20, 2022

“Cannabis is becoming a serious issue that Mark McGowan needs to address. This natural plant will only make WA better – socially, financially and medically,” Walker tweeted Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.