Victorian Greens push for cannabis to be legalised, taxed similarly to alcohol

Plan would see a 30% tax imposed, which analysis suggests will add $1.21bn in revenue over a decade
The Guardian (UK)
Sunday, October 9, 2022

australia cannabisCannabis would be legal and regulated in Victoria (Australia) by 2024 under a Greens proposal, being announced ahead of November’s state election, that the party says could help raise $1.21bn in revenue over 10 years. Under the plan, costed by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office, it will be legal for Victorians aged over 18 to buy cannabis, which would be taxed at a rate of 30% of sales – largely in line with levies on alcohol. Penalties for selling cannabis to people under 18 would also be introduced, set at double the penalty for selling alcohol to underage drinkers. The plan also involves decriminalising small quantities of other drugs, which could save the state an additional $250m, due to savings in the justice system.