A group of top politicians, including the Victorian premier, have admitted to trying cannabis amid a push to decriminalise the drug.
The three politicians, all of whom are senior members of Victoria’s parliament, admitted to dabbling in cannabis in the past after the state government opened discussions about legalising the drug for recreational use.
Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas admitted he had used marijuana, adding that he supported a health-led, rather than a criminal, approach.
“I suppose I should declare I have used [it] and I don’t think a criminal approach to this is best. A health approach would be best,” he told reporters on Thursday.
Victorian premier Jacinta Allan and opposition leader John Pesutto both acknowledged they, too, had tried the drug.
“I think we (should) come to these questions with an honest answer and not obfuscate,” Ms Allan said.
“It was a long time ago — a long, long time ago.”
Mr Pesutto, meanwhile, claimed he was “not proud” of his actions but said he smoked cannabis three times while at university.
He said he did not support the legalisation of the drug but was open to decriminalisation, saying too many people became caught up in the criminal system for personal use offences.
“I’m not proud of it, but I tried it,” Mr Pesutto told 3AW.
“People often say: ‘Oh, it’s a law and order issue, it should be a health issue’.
“Well, of course it should be a health issue. We don’t want people going to jail or being caught up in the justice system.
“But I think we need to be serious and realistic and honest about the health impacts of encouraging the use of cannabis more freely.
“We don’t know how people are going to react to the use.”
On Wednesday, Victorian parliament debated a bill brought forth by the Legalise Cannabis party that would allow adults in Victoria to grow and possess small quantities of marijuana for personal use.
Ms Allan stressed the government had no set plans for decriminalisation but wanted to seek further advice from health professionals.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a change to government policy,” she said.
Mr Pallas, meanwhile, urged politicians to treat the bill with respect.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself about what revenue might be available, or indeed whether there is a change in policy at all,” he said.
“What I would say is that it is important to deal with the crossbench in the upper house with some respect. They sought dialogue around these matters, and they’ll get it.”