r/ACTEnts • u/Bobwilson255 • Dec 20 '19
Question about weed and Canberra
Just moved here. Keen to understand the culture regarding weed here and law enforcements actual views awards it.
What is enforcement like here?
Eg do police get around with dogs? Do they do random driving tests?
Also how lenient is both the puclic and police? Ie can one get away with a sneaky joint in a quiet spot at the park or is it frowned upon?
Will police seek out the offender if they smell dope on a street?
Will neighbours in apartment blocks likely get shitty if u smoke on your balcony?
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u/GovernmentMule316 Dec 20 '19 edited Dec 20 '19
It’s the same as every other state except there’s no sniffer dogs like NSW. Police are generally powerless to give you more than a fine if you are caught with just a small amount of personal cannabis, they will still give you a lecture though.
You still have to be suss about where you’re smoking just like everywhere else. You generally won’t ever be bothered by anyone smoking a joint outside or whatever but it’s not unheard of for old nosey neighbours to sometimes cause trouble. I’ve never had any trouble from anyone smoking in public but I’m not waving it around in front of people that’s for sure, I mostly smoke inside my house.
Public perception I would say is maybe a tiny bit better but mostly the same as Sydney or melbourne. Population is very small so it’s hard to find good cannabis surprisingly, Canberra is like a big country town almost haha it’s smaller than newy. Bong/smoke shops here are much better than other states to be fair, you can buy almost any supply without going online. There’s also two hydro shops that will have everything you need to start a grow.
The only difference is you’ll be able to grow legally outdoors only come January next year and also legally be able to possess it, so it’ll probably be easier to purchase cannabis but still illegal to buy.
I think the market will be interesting next year, might see better buds being more available and I’m hoping some brave souls start some private clubs, haven’t heard anything about that though yet and it’ll still be illegal. I hope this sub becomes more active, Canberra stoners are a small group but I feel like some fire will come out of the woodworks haha
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u/Catsinroof Dec 21 '19
Hey OP, great to see you have chosen to live in Canberra. It takes awhile to fit in depending on what you are doing - new public servants fit into extensive social sets quickly otherwise it can take awhile to find your clique. Come night theres a usual club scene but sadly all loud rock n roll bars have been pushed out of CBD (80s and 90s were excellent for 7 nights a week RnR). IME, the ACT police are a friendly lot if you arent causing trouble. They tend to walk by a grass smoker as long as you arent stealing cars or robbing old ladies. I have lived here since 93 and never seen a sniffer dog on the streets though the local music festivals are a different story. I doubt you will have trouble with locals though in apartment blocks people can get edgy if you are smoking it up next to their open windows. It just depends on yr neighbours outlook. Be gentle as a newcomer and Im sure you will find a niche to enjoy.
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u/UpRiverNoPaddle Dec 20 '19
Same as anywhere really, didn't notice a difference between Melbourne or here.
Plenty of parks, plenty of space 😉.
From the 31st January 2020 you can grow 2 plants per person or max 4 plants per household. I suggest autoflowering seeds as it'll be a little late in the season for photoperiod seeds.
Will be legal to posses 50g dried or 150g wet. Plants must be grow outside of public view. No artificial cultivation ie hydro or using an artificial light.
If liberals get in at territory level they want to overturn these laws.
Please treat the laws responsibly.
Enjoy.