The 1970's witnessed over ten US states decriminilise cannabis by deeming the possession of small quantities a civil offence, expiable by payment of a fine. Unfortunately, many states have returned to complete prohibition policies, recriminilising the possession of cannabis even in light of research evaluations that had shown little to no increased consumption of cannabis. In Australia, the first state to decriminilise cannabis was South Australia in April 1987. For this research and paper, decriminilisation refers to the lessening of legal sanctions governing illegal drug use. The legalisation of the same act however, would result in no punishment, as it would be deemed a 'legal' act.
Definitions can differ as experts develop applications of decriminilisation theories.
Where the penalty is paid within sixty days, no further action is taken and no conviction is recorded. Opposition to the decriminilisation of cannabis in the A.C.T. was based largely on the fear of increased use. However, it is believed that the criminal law is not an effective deterrant against such a victimless crime as drug use. This study investigated the effects of the A.C.T.'s new legislation decriminilising cannabis by reviewing the patterns of use by university students in the A.C.T. and Victoria, a state that did not decriminilise cannabis. Methodology Design A self-report survey was designed and distributed to students at wo Australian universities.