Australia is joining the global trend towards cannabis legalization, with various states and territories taking steps to legalize recreational cannabis use. However, amidst the discussions surrounding this issue, there is a growing concern among policy experts about the potential negative impact of a for-profit cannabis industry. The rise of commercial interests promoting regular cannabis use raises valid concerns about public health and well-being.
In light of this, it is crucial to explore alternative supply models that prioritize non-profit systems, such as allowing individuals to grow their own cannabis for personal consumption. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has taken a pioneering approach in this regard, passing a law in 2020 that allows individuals to possess, use, and grow cannabis. Under this legislation, residents are permitted to grow up to two cannabis plants per person or a maximum of four plants per household for personal use.
Research conducted on cannabis growers in the ACT has provided valuable insights for policymakers across the nation. In-depth interviews with 10 cannabis growers shed light on their techniques, challenges, and motivations. The study revealed the diverse range of reasons people choose to grow cannabis, including medicinal purposes, recreational consumption, and simply a love for gardening.
One significant takeaway from the research is that developing a well-designed home-growing cannabis policy poses various challenges that require thoughtful consideration. In the ACT, outdated drug policies and certain legal restrictions hinder the ability of home growers to start growing and access necessary supplies. The absence of aggregated data and resources specifically tailored to cannabis growers in Australia further compounds this issue. Unlike traditional gardening, there is no readily available guidance on cannabis-specific soil composition or nutritional needs, especially considering the unique growing conditions in Australia.
Interestingly, the climate in Canberra, the ACT’s capital, presents additional difficulties for cannabis cultivation due to extreme temperature fluctuations. The plants struggle to thrive under temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius or dropping below 20-18 degrees Celsius. Without access to artificial sources of light or heat, which are prohibited by current regulations, growers find it challenging to navigate the wintry climate without compromising the quality of their plants. Curiously, no such restrictions exist for officially sanctioned medicinal cannabis farms.
Another unresolved obstacle lies in managing excess cannabis. While the law permits outdoor cannabis plants, it strictly enforces a maximum yield of 150 grams. This raises questions about what growers should do with their surplus. Whether they can share it with friends or dispose of it legally remains uncertain. Additionally, purchasing cannabis seeds is illegal under ACT law, meaning growers must resort to acquiring seeds illegally from overseas markets. This legal discrepancy puts growers in a precarious situation.
To address these challenges and promote responsible home-growing, it is imperative to establish a legally operated cannabis seed bank in the ACT. Such a resource would fulfill the cannabis growers’ need for detailed information about the specific strains they cultivate, including the levels of THC and CBD. Particularly concerning medicinal users, knowing the active ingredients in their plants is critical for effectively addressing their particular needs, such as inflammation, pain relief, seizures, or anxiety reduction.
Moreover, it is essential to recognize that not all individuals have an environment conducive to home-growing cannabis. Those living in rental accommodations or facing unstable housing situations may find it impractical or unfeasible. To tackle this issue, policymakers should consider initiatives like cannabis community gardens and designated open growing areas. These alternative options would enable individuals who are unable to cultivate cannabis at home to still benefit from the therapeutic properties of the plant.
As Australia and the world move towards cannabis legalization, it is vital to learn from the experiences of ACT growers and apply those lessons to the formulation of effective policies in other states and territories. By prioritizing non-profit supply models and conscientiously addressing the challenges and concerns of cannabis cultivation, Australia can establish a comprehensive framework that ensures the responsible and sustainable growth of the cannabis industry.
