{"id":"a-alt-1989-11","name":"DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE ACT 1989","slug":"drugs-of-dependence-act-1989","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"act","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":234158,"registerId":"act-drugs-of-dependence-act-1989-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-06","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"171A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Offence notices 12","content":"171A Offence notices 12\n171AB Smoking cannabis in public place or near child 15\n","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"171B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cannabis offences—notification of right to apply for preservation order 16","content":"171B Cannabis offences—notification of right to apply for preservation order 16\n171BA Guidance material 17\n171BB Drug diversion program 17\n174 Interpretation for pt 11 18\n182 Definitions for div 11.3 19\n184 Search and seizure 19\n185 Consent to search 20\n186 Searches of arrested persons 21\n187 Search warrants 21\n187A Electronic versions of affidavits and warrants 24\n188 Searches in emergencies 25\n189 Clothing and body searches 26\n190 Forfeiture of drugs and substances 27\n191 Analysis 27\n193 Notification by defendants—analyst’s evidence 28\nDivision 11.4 Disposal of seized substances, compensation and\nrecovery\n193A Definitions for div 11.4 28\n193B Protocols for destruction etc of cannabis 29\n193C Destruction of cannabis without court order 29\n193D Order for preservation of cannabis 30\n193E Amendment and revocation of cannabis preservation 31\n193F Making of orders about preservation of cannabis 32\n\nPage\ncontents 3\n194 Disposal of seized substances other than cannabis on order of\nmagistrate 33\n194A Applications under s 194 35\n195 Final disposal of seized substances 35\n196 Compensation for seizure 36\n197 Seized property 36\n201 Secrecy 37\n204 Determination of fees 38\n205B Review of certain amendments related to personal use 38\n206 Regulation-making power 38\nDictionary 39\n1 About the endnotes 43\n2 Abbreviation key 43\n3 Legislation history 44\n4 Amendment history 54\n5 Earlier republications 83\n6 Expired transitional or validating provisions 85\n\nAn Act to prohibit the sale, supply and possession of drugs of dependence and\nprohibited substances, and for related purposes\n\n","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of Act","content":"1 Name of Act\nThis Act is the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989.\n","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Dictionary","content":"2 Dictionary\nThe dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.\nNote 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this\nAct, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined\nelsewhere in this Act.\nFor example, the signpost definition ‘offence, for part 11\n(Enforcement)—see section 174.’ means that the term ‘offence’ is\ndefined in that section for part 11.\nNote 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to\nthe entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,\nprovides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see\nLegislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).\n","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notes","content":"3 Notes\nA note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.\nNote See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.\n","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc","content":"4 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\nOther legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.\nNote 1 Criminal Code\nThe Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to the following offences against this\nAct (see Code, pt 2.1):\n• s 162 (Cultivation of 1 or 2 cannabis plants)\n• s 169 (Possessing drugs of dependence)\n\nPreliminary Part 1\n• s 171 (Possessing prohibited substances)\n• s 171AA (Possessing cannabis)\n• s 171AAA (Cultivation of more than 4 cannabis plants at premises)\n• s 171AAB (Cannabis plant cultivation—other offences)\n• s 171AAC (Storage of cannabis)\n• s 171AAD (Possessing multiple small quantities of different kinds\nof relevant substances)\n• s 171AB (Smoking cannabis in public place or near child).\nThe chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility\n(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used\nfor offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,\nrecklessness and strict liability).\nNote 2 Penalty units\nThe Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties\nthat are expressed in penalty units.\n\n","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to buprenorphine, cannabis or methadone","content":"5 References to buprenorphine, cannabis or methadone\nIn this Act, a reference to buprenorphine, cannabis or methadone,\nincludes a reference to—\n(a) an active principal of the substance; or\n(b) a preparation or admixture of the substance; or\n(c) a salt of the substance or active principal.\n","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of cannabis food product","content":"6 Meaning of cannabis food product\n(1) In this Act:\ncannabis food product means any of the following products:\n(a) low THC cannabis seeds if—\n(i) the seeds contain not more than—\n(A) 5 mg/kg of total THC; and\n(ii) the only cannabinoids in or on the seeds are naturally\npresent; and\n(iii) for seeds that are a food for retail sale or an ingredient in a\nfood for retail sale—the seeds are non-viable and hulled;\n(b) oil extracted from low THC cannabis seeds if—\n(i) the oil contains not more than—\n(A) 10 mg/kg of total THC; and\n(ii) the only cannabinoids in the oil are those that were\nnaturally present in or on the seeds from which the oil was\nextracted;\n\nInterpretation Part 2\n(c) a beverage derived from low THC cannabis seeds if—\n(i) the beverage contains not more than—\n(A) 0.2 mg/kg of total THC; and\n(ii) the only cannabinoids in the beverage are those that were\nnaturally present in or on the seeds from which the\nbeverage was derived;\n(d) any other product extracted or derived from low THC cannabis\nseeds if—\n(i) the product contains not more than—\n(A) 5 mg/kg of total THC; and\n(ii) the only cannabinoids in the product are those that were\nnaturally present in or on the seeds from which the product\nwas extracted or derived.\n(2) In this section:\nhulled seeds means seeds from which the outer coat or hull has been\nremoved.\nlow THC cannabis sativa means cannabis sativa in which the leaves\nand flowering heads do not contain more than 1%\ndelta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol.\nlow THC cannabis seeds means seeds of low THC cannabis sativa.\nnon-viable seeds means seeds that are not able to germinate.\nseeds includes a part of a seed.\ntotal THC means the total amount of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol\nand delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.\n\n","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"162","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cultivation of 1 or 2 cannabis plants","content":"162 Cultivation of 1 or 2 cannabis plants\n(1) A person commits an offence if the person cultivates 1 or 2 cannabis\nplants.\n(2) This section does not apply if the person—\n(a) is 18 years old or older; and\n(b) cultivates the plants in the ACT.\nNote The defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters\nmentioned in s (2) (see Criminal Code, s 58).\n(3) In this section:\nartificially cultivate means—\n(a) hydroponically cultivate; or\n(b) cultivate with the application of an artificial source of light or\nheat.\ncultivates has the meaning given in the Criminal Code, section 615\nbut does not include artificially cultivate.\n","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"164","sectionType":"section","heading":"Sale or supply","content":"164 Sale or supply\n(1) In this section:\nprohibited substance does not include cannabis.\n(2) A person shall not—\n(a) sell or supply a drug of dependence to any person; or\n(b) participate in the sale or supply of a drug of dependence to any\nperson; or\n\n(c) possess a drug of dependence for the purpose of sale or supply\nto any person.\nMaximum penalty: 500 penalty units, imprisonment for 5 years or\n(3) A person shall not—\n(a) sell or supply a prohibited substance to any person; or\n(b) participate in the sale or supply of a prohibited substance to any\nperson; or\n(c) possess a prohibited substance for the purpose of sale or supply\nto any person.\nMaximum penalty: 500 penalty units, imprisonment for 5 years or\n(4) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person is authorised under the\nterritory law, to sell or supply the drug of dependence.\n(5) Subsection (3) does not apply if the person is authorised under the\nterritory law, to sell or supply the prohibited substance.\n","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"169","sectionType":"section","heading":"Possessing drugs of dependence","content":"169 Possessing drugs of dependence\n(a) the person possesses a drug of dependence; and\n(b) the quantity of the drug is not more than a small quantity for the\ndrug.\n(a) the person possesses a drug of dependence; and\n\n(b) either—\n(i) the quantity of the drug is more than a small quantity for\nthe drug; or\n(ii) no small quantity is prescribed for the drug.\n(3) This section does not apply if the person is authorised under the\nterritory law, to possess the drug of dependence.\n","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"171","sectionType":"section","heading":"Possessing prohibited substances","content":"171 Possessing prohibited substances\n(a) the person possesses a prohibited substance; and\n(b) the quantity of the substance is not more than a small quantity\nfor the substance.\n(a) the person possesses a prohibited substance; and\n(b) either—\n(i) the quantity of the substance is more than a small quantity\nfor the substance; or\n(ii) no small quantity is prescribed for the substance.\n(3) This section does not apply if the person is authorised under the\nterritory law, to possess the prohibited substance.\n\n(4) In this section:\nprohibited substance does not include cannabis.\n171AA Possessing cannabis\n(1) A person commits an offence if the person possesses not more than a\nsmall quantity of cannabis.\n(2) A person commits an offence if the person possesses more than a\nsmall quantity of cannabis.\n(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person—\n(a) is 18 years old or older; and\n(b) possesses the cannabis in the ACT.\n(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the person is authorised under\nthe Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008, or another\nterritory law, to possess the cannabis.\nNote The defendant has an evidential burden in relation to the matters\nmentioned in s (3) and s (4) (see Criminal Code, s 58).\n171AAA Cultivation of more than 4 cannabis plants at premises\n(a) the person cultivates a cannabis plant at premises; and\n(b) more than 4 cannabis plants are being cultivated at the premises.\n(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).\n\n(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section if\nthe defendant proves that the defendant—\n(a) lived at the premises when cultivating the cannabis; and\n(b) was not aware, and could not reasonably have been expected to\nbe aware, that more than 4 cannabis plants were being cultivated\nat the premises.\ns (3) (see Criminal Code, s 59).\n171AAB Cannabis plant cultivation—other offences\n(a) the person cultivates a cannabis plant; and\n(b) the cannabis plant is cultivated at a place other than where the\nperson lives.\n(a) the person cultivates a cannabis plant; and\n(b) the cannabis plant is cultivated in an area lawfully accessible to\na member of the public.\n171AAC Storage of cannabis\n(1) A person commits an offence if the person—\n(a) possesses harvested cannabis; and\n\n(b) does not store the cannabis out of reach of children.\n(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section if\nthe defendant proves that the defendant took all reasonable steps to\nensure that a child could not access the cannabis.\ns (2) (see Criminal Code, s 59).\n171AAD Possessing multiple small quantities of different kinds of\nrelevant substances\n(a) the person possesses 3 or more different kinds of relevant\nsubstance; and\n(b) the quantity of each substance is not more than the small\nquantity for the substance; and\n(c) the total of the small quantity fractions for each substance is\nmore than 2.\nNote Other offences under the Criminal Code, ch 6 (Serious drug offences)\nmay apply in relation to a person in possession of 2 or more kinds of\ncontrolled drugs, controlled precursors and controlled plants.\n(2) In this section:\nrelevant substance—\n(a) for a person who is 18 years old or older means any of the\nfollowing—\n(i) a drug of dependence for which a small quantity is\n\n(ii) a prohibited substance for which a small quantity is\n(b) for a person who is under 18 years old means any of the\nfollowing—\n(i) a drug of dependence for which a small quantity is\n(ii) a prohibited substance for which a small quantity is\n(iii) cannabis for which a small quantity is prescribed.\nsmall quantity fraction, for a relevant substance a person possesses,\nmeans—\nthe actual quantity of the relevant substance\nthe small quantity for the relevant substance\n171A Offence notices\n(1) If a police officer believes on reasonable grounds that a person has\ncommitted a simple drug offence, the police officer may serve an\noffence notice on the person.\n(2) If an offence notice is served on a child and the police officer serving\nthe notice believes on reasonable grounds that the child is living with\na person with parental responsibility for the child, the police officer\nmust serve a copy of the notice on the person with parental\nresponsibility.\n(3) An offence notice must—\n(a) specify the nature of the alleged simple drug offence to which\nthe notice relates; and\n(b) specify the date and time when, and place where, the simple drug\noffence is alleged to have been committed; and\n\n(c) state that no further action will be taken in relation to the alleged\nsimple drug offence if the alleged offender—\n(i) pays the prescribed penalty for the alleged offence within\n60 days after the date of service of the notice; or\n(ii) satisfies the attendance requirements of an approved drug\ndiversion program within 60 days after the date of service\nof the notice; and\n(d) specify details of the following:\n(i) for payment of the penalty—the amount of the penalty,\nhow the penalty may be paid and the place where payment\nmay be made;\n(ii) for attendance at a drug diversion program—where and\nhow to satisfy the attendance requirements of the program;\nand\n(e) for a notice alleging a simple drug offence involving cannabis\nstate that—\n(i) unless a court orders otherwise, the government analyst\nmay, under section 193C (Destruction of cannabis without\ncourt order), destroy seized cannabis without a court order;\nand\n(ii) the alleged offender may apply to the Magistrates Court,\nunder section 193D (Order for preservation of cannabis),\nfor an order for the preservation of cannabis to which the\nalleged simple drug offence relates; and\n(f) contain any other particulars prescribed by regulation.\n(4) If the alleged offender pays the penalty in accordance with\nsubsection (3) (d) (i), or satisfies the attendance requirements in\naccordance with subsection (3) (d) (ii)—\n(a) any liability of the person in relation to the alleged simple drug\noffence is discharged; and\n\n(b) no further proceeding may be taken in relation to the alleged\nsimple drug offence; and\n(c) the person must not be regarded as having been convicted of the\nalleged simple drug offence.\n(5) Except as provided in subsection (4), this section does not affect the\ninstitution or prosecution of a proceeding for a simple drug offence.\n(6) Any substance, equipment or object seized under any Act in\nconnection with the alleged simple drug offence that would have been\nliable to forfeiture in the event of a conviction is forfeited to the\nTerritory on—\n(a) payment of the penalty in accordance with subsection (3) (d) (i);\nor\n(b) satisfying the attendance requirements of the approved drug\ndiversion program in accordance with subsection (3) (d) (ii).\n(7) In this section:\napproved drug diversion program means a program approved under\nsection 171BB.\nattendance requirements, for an approved drug diversion program,\nmeans attending the first session of the program.\nchild means a person who is under 18 years old on the date of the\nalleged offence.\nperson with parental responsibility, for a child—means a person with\nparental responsibility for the child under the Children and Young\nPeople Act 2008, division 1.3.2.\nsimple drug offence means an offence against any of the following:\n(a) section 162 (1);\n(b) section 169 (1);\n(c) section 171 (1);\n\n(d) section 171AA (1).\n171AB Smoking cannabis in public place or near child\n(1) A person commits an offence if the person smokes cannabis in a\npublic place.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(a) the person smokes cannabis; and\n(b) a child is exposed to smoke or vapour from the cannabis the\nperson is smoking.\nMaximum penalty: 30 penalty units.\n(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2)\nif the defendant proves that the defendant—\n(a) took all reasonable steps to ensure that the child was not exposed\nto the smoke or vapour; or\n(b) believed on reasonable grounds that the child was 18 years old\nor older.\ns (3) (see Criminal Code, s 59).\n(4) In this section:\npersonal vaporiser—see the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products\nAct 1927, section 3B.\npublic place—see the Smoke-Free Public Places Act 2003,\ndictionary.\nsmoke cannabis means—\n(a) to directly puff smoke, or vapour, from cannabis, or a product\nthat contains cannabis, whether or not a device for the inhalation\nof smoke, or vapour, is used; or\n\n(b) to hold or to have control over—\n(i) cannabis, or a product that contains cannabis, while it is\nignited; or\n(ii) a personal vaporiser or vaping good that contains cannabis\nand that is activated.\nExamples—devices—par (a)\n• a personal vaporiser\n• a vaping good\n• a pipe (including a hookah, water pipe or bong)\n• a cigarette holder\nvaping good—see the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products\nAct 1927, section 3C.\n171B Cannabis offences—notification of right to apply for\npreservation order\n(1) This section applies if a police officer seizes cannabis under this Act\nor another territory law.\n(2) As soon as practicable after seizing the cannabis, the police officer\nmust give to each relevant person a written statement to the following\neffect:\n‘You have been arrested for/charged with/may be charged with* an\noffence/offences* against the Drugs of Dependence\nAct 1989/Criminal Code, chapter 6 (Serious drug offences)* relating\nto seized cannabis. Unless a court orders otherwise, the government\nanalyst may destroy seized cannabis without a court order. You have\nthe right, under the Drugs of Dependence Act 1989, section 193D, to\napply to the Magistrates Court for an order for the preservation of the\nseized cannabis. If you do not make an application within 24 hours,\nthe cannabis may be destroyed and only a sample preserved.’\n* Omit any alternative that is not relevant\n\n(3) In this section:\nrelevant person means—\n(a) a person arrested for, or charged with, an offence against this\nAct or the Criminal Code, chapter 6 (Serious drug offences) in\nrelation to the seized cannabis; or\n(b) a person who, to the knowledge or in the belief of the police\nofficer, is likely to be charged with an offence against this Act\nor the Criminal Code, chapter 6 (Serious drug offences) in\nrelation to the seized cannabis.\n171BA Guidance material\n(1) The Minister must prepare and publish guidance material to inform\nthe community about the legal and health implications of the\namendments of this part made by the Drugs of Dependence (Personal\nCannabis Use) Amendment Act 2019.\n(2) The guidance material is a notifiable instrument.\n171BB Drug diversion program\n(1) The Minister may approve a drug diversion program for the\nassessment and treatment of people who are found in possession of\ndrugs of dependence or prohibited substances.\n(2) An approval is a notifiable instrument.\n\n","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"174","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation for pt 11","content":"174 Interpretation for pt 11\n(1) In this part:\noffence means an offence against this Act or the Criminal Code,\nchapter 6 (Serious drug offences).\nNote A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments\nmade or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation\nAct 2001, s 104).\n(2) For this part, a thing is connected with a particular offence if—\n(a) the offence has been committed in relation to it; or\n(b) it will afford evidence of the commission of the offence; or\n(c) it was used, or it is intended to be used, for the purpose of\ncommitting the offence; or\n(d) after the commission of the offence, it was used for the purpose\nof taking steps to avoid the detection of the offence or the\napprehension of the offender; or\n(e) it was in the possession or under the control of the offender at\nthe time of his or her apprehension in circumstances that make\nit likely that it was—\n(i) used for the purpose of committing the offence; or\n(ii) after the commission of the offence, used or intended to be\nused for the purpose of taking steps to avoid the detection\nof the offence or the apprehension of the offender.\n(3) A reference in this part to an offence includes a reference to an\noffence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been, or\nwill be, committed.\n\n(4) If a person is authorised under this part to enter premises or a place,\nand enters those premises or that place, a reference to the occupier of\nsuch premises or such a place includes a reference to a person\nreasonably believed by the authorised person to be the occupier, or to\nbe in charge, of those premises or that place.\n","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"182","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions for div 11.3","content":"182 Definitions for div 11.3\nIn this division:\nchapter 6 substance means any of the following within the meaning\nof the Criminal Code, chapter 6:\n(a) a controlled drug;\n(b) a controlled plant;\n(c) a controlled precursor.\nplace includes vacant land, premises, a vehicle, a vessel or an aircraft.\n","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"184","sectionType":"section","heading":"Search and seizure","content":"184 Search and seizure\n(1) A police officer may search a person or the clothing that is being worn\nby, or property in the immediate control of, a person and may seize\nany thing that he or she suspects on reasonable grounds to be\nconnected with an offence that is found in the course of the search, if,\nand only if, the search and seizure is made by the police officer—\n(a) after obtaining the consent of the person to the search in\naccordance with section 185; or\n(b) in accordance with section 186 on taking the person into lawful\ncustody in relation to an offence; or\n(c) under a warrant issued under section 187; or\n(d) in circumstances of seriousness and urgency, in accordance with\nsection 188; or\n\n(e) under an order made by a court; or\n(f) otherwise under a provision of a law in force in the ACT.\n(2) A police officer may enter any place, and may search for and seize\nany thing that he or she suspects on reasonable grounds to be\nconnected with an offence that is found on or in the place if, and only\nif, the search and seizure is made by the police officer—\n(a) after obtaining the consent of the occupier of the place to the\nentry in accordance with section 185; or\n(b) under a warrant issued under section 187; or\n(c) in circumstances of seriousness and urgency, in accordance with\nsection 188; or\n(d) under an order made by a court; or\n(e) otherwise under a provision of a law in force in the ACT.\n","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"185","sectionType":"section","heading":"Consent to search","content":"185 Consent to search\n(1) Before obtaining the consent of a person for section 184 a police\nofficer shall inform the person that he or she may refuse to give his\nor her consent.\n(2) A police officer who obtains the consent of a person for section 184\nshall ask the person to sign an acknowledgment—\n(a) that the person has been informed that he or she may refuse to\ngive his or her consent; and\n(b) that the person has given his or her consent; and\n(c) of the date and time when the person gave his or her consent.\n(3) If it is material, in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied of the\nconsent of a person for section 184 and an acknowledgment in\naccordance with subsection (2) has not been produced in evidence,\nthe court shall presume, unless the contrary is proved, that the person\ndid not give the consent, but that presumption is rebuttable.\n\n","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"186","sectionType":"section","heading":"Searches of arrested persons","content":"186 Searches of arrested persons\n(1) A police officer may, on lawfully taking a person into custody in\nrelation to an offence, search the person or the clothing that he or she\nis wearing and any property under his or her immediate control, if the\npolice officer suspects on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to\ndo so—\n(a) for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is on the person or\nin his or her clothing or in that property a thing connected with\nthe offence; or\n(b) for the purpose of preventing the concealment, loss or\ndestruction of evidence of, or relating to, the offence.\n(2) A police officer may seize any thing that he or she suspects on\nreasonable grounds is a thing connected with an offence found as a\nresult of a search in accordance with subsection (1).\n","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"187","sectionType":"section","heading":"Search warrants","content":"187 Search warrants\n(1) In this section:\nissuing officer means—\n(a) a judge, the registrar or a deputy registrar of the Supreme Court;\nor\n(b) a magistrate; or\n(c) the registrar, or a deputy registrar, of the Magistrates Court\nauthorised, in writing, by the Chief Magistrate to be an issuing\nofficer for this section.\nprivate place does not include a place ordinarily private that is for the\ntime being—\n(a) used for a public purpose; or\n(b) a place of common resort; or\n(c) open to the public, on the payment of money or otherwise.\n\n(2) If an information on oath is laid before an issuing officer alleging that\nthere are reasonable grounds for suspecting that, on the day when, or\na day within 28 days after the date when, the information is laid, there\nis or will be a thing or things of a particular kind connected with a\nparticular offence on, or in the clothing that is being worn by, or in\nany property in the apparent control of, a particular person and the\ninformation sets out those grounds, the issuing officer may issue a\nsearch warrant authorising each police officer named in the warrant,\nwith the assistance, and by the force, that is necessary and\nreasonable—\n(a) to enter any place the police officer believes on reasonable\ngrounds to be occupied by the person; and\n(b) to search the person, or the clothing that is being worn by, or\nproperty in the apparent control of, the person; and\n(c) to seize any such clothing or property that the police officer\nbelieves on reasonable grounds to be connected with the\noffence.\n(3) If an information on oath is laid before an issuing officer alleging that\nthere are reasonable grounds for suspecting that, on the day when, or\na day within 28 days after the date when, the information is laid, there\nis or will be at or in any place a thing or things of a particular kind\nconnected with a particular offence, and the information sets out those\ngrounds, the issuing officer may issue a search warrant authorising\neach police officer named in the warrant, with the assistance, and by\nthe force, that is necessary and reasonable to—\n(a) enter any place named or described in the warrant; and\n(b) search the place for things of that kind; and\n\n(c) if the place is a private place—to search any person found at or\nin the place, or any person whom he or she reasonably believes\nto be about to enter or to have recently left the place, and the\nclothing that the person is wearing, or property in the apparent\ncontrol of the person, if the police officer believes there are\nreasonable grounds for suspecting that things of that kind may\nbe on the person or in the clothing that the person is wearing or\nin property in the apparent control of the person; and\n(d) to seize any thing of that kind found as a result of any entry or\nsearch referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) that he or she\nbelieves on reasonable grounds to be connected with that\noffence.\n(4) An issuing officer shall not issue a warrant under this section unless—\n(a) the informant or some other person has given to the issuing\nofficer, either orally or by affidavit, the further information (if\nany) the issuing officer requires about the grounds on which the\nissue of the warrant is being sought; and\n(b) the issuing officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds\nfor issuing the warrant.\n(5) An issuing officer may issue a warrant under subsection (2) or (3)\nsubject to conditions limiting the powers set out in the relevant\nsubsection.\n(6) A warrant issued under this section shall state or set out—\n(a) the purpose for which the warrant is issued, including a\nreference to the nature of the offence in relation to which the\nentry and search are authorised; and\n(b) whether the entry or search is authorised to be made at any time\nof the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night;\nand\n(c) a description of the kind of things authorised to be seized; and\n\n(d) any conditions to which the warrant is subject; and\n(e) if the warrant is issued under subsection (2)—a way of\nidentifying each person specified in the warrant by—\n(i) name; or\n(ii) description; or\n(iii) a photograph of the person attached to the warrant; and\n(f) a date, not later than 28 days after the date of issue of the\nwarrant, when the warrant will cease to have effect.\n(7) If, in the course of searching in accordance with a warrant issued\nunder this section for things connected with a particular offence,\nbeing things of a kind specified in the warrant, a police officer finds\nany thing that he or she believes on reasonable grounds to be\nconnected with the offence although not of a kind specified in the\nwarrant, or to be connected with any other offence, and he or she\nbelieves on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to seize that thing\nto prevent its concealment, loss, destruction or use in committing,\ncontinuing or repeating either offence the warrant shall be deemed to\nauthorise him or her to seize that thing.\n","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"187A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Electronic versions of affidavits and warrants","content":"187A Electronic versions of affidavits and warrants\n(1) For section 187 (2) and (3), an information on oath may be given by—\n(a) giving the issuing officer an electronic version of an affidavit\nthat includes the signature of the person making the affidavit and\nthe signature of the person taking the affidavit; or\n(b) giving the issuing officer—\n(i) an electronic version of an affidavit that includes in any\nplace where a signature appears in the original affidavit,\nthe name of the person whose signature it is; and\n\n(ii) an undertaking that the person making the affidavit has\npossession of the original affidavit, signed in accordance\nwith law; or\n(c) giving the issuing officer—\n(i) an electronic version of an affidavit that includes the\nsignature of the person making the affidavit; and\n(ii) a statement, under oath by telephone or other electronic\naudiovisual means, by the person making the affidavit that\nevery statement in the affidavit is true.\nNote Oath includes affirmation (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).\n(2) For section 187 (2) and (3), a warrant may be issued by giving the\napplicant for the warrant an electronic version of the warrant.\n","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"188","sectionType":"section","heading":"Searches in emergencies","content":"188 Searches in emergencies\n(1) A police officer may only exercise a power under this section if the\npolice officer believes, on reasonable grounds—\n(a) that it is necessary to do so to prevent the concealment, loss or\ndestruction of any thing connected with an offence; and\n(b) that the circumstances are of such seriousness and urgency as to\nrequire the immediate exercise of the power without the\nauthority of a warrant issued under section 187 or of an order of\na court.\n(2) A police officer may—\n(a) search a person or the clothing that is being worn by, and\nproperty in the apparent control of, a person suspected by the\npolice officer to be carrying any thing connected with an\noffence; or\n(b) enter any place at or in which the police officer believes on\nreasonable grounds that any thing connected with an offence is\nsituated; and\n\n(c) seize any such thing that he or she finds in the course of that\nsearch, or at or in the place.\n(3) A police officer who believes on reasonable grounds that a person is,\nwithout lawful authority or reasonable excuse, carrying any thing\nconnected with an offence may, for this section, detain that person.\n(4) A police officer who believes on reasonable grounds that any thing\nconnected with an offence is on or in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft may,\nfor this section, stop that vehicle, vessel or aircraft.\n","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"189","sectionType":"section","heading":"Clothing and body searches","content":"189 Clothing and body searches\n(1) If a police officer is authorised under this division to search the\nclothing that a person is wearing, the police officer may remove, or\nrequire the person to remove, any clothing that the person is wearing.\n(2) A person shall not be searched under this division except by a police\nofficer of the same sex.\n(3) However, if a transgender or intersex person is searched, the person\nmay require that the search be conducted by either a male or a female.\nNote 1 For the meaning of transgender person see Legislation Act, s 169A.\nNote 2 For the meaning of intersex person, see Legislation Act, s 169B.\n(4) If the transgender or intersex person requires that the search be\nconducted by a male, the person is taken, for this section, to be male.\n(5) If the transgender or intersex person requires that the search be\nconducted by a female, the person is taken, for this section, to be\nfemale.\n(6) Nothing in this division authorises a police officer to conduct an\ninternal body search.\n\n","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"190","sectionType":"section","heading":"Forfeiture of drugs and substances","content":"190 Forfeiture of drugs and substances\n(1) If a police officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that a substance\nseized under this division is, or contains, a drug of dependence,\nprohibited substance or chapter 6 substance in relation to which an\noffence has been committed, the substance seized is forfeited to the\nTerritory.\n(2) If a police officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that a substance\nseized under this division, other than a substance referred to in\nsubsection (1), is, or contains, a drug of dependence, prohibited\nsubstance or chapter 6 substance, that substance is forfeited to the\nTerritory at the end of 30 days from the date of its seizure.\n(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if—\n(a) within 30 days after the date of the seizure the chief police\nofficer has received written notice from a person that the person\nclaims the relevant substance; and\n(b) the chief police officer is satisfied that the claimant is entitled to\nthe lawful possession of that substance.\n(4) If subsection (2) applies, the chief health officer shall dispose of the\nsubstance referred to in that subsection as soon as possible after the\nend of 30 days from the date of its seizure.\n","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"191","sectionType":"section","heading":"Analysis","content":"191 Analysis\nIf a substance is forfeited to the Territory under section 190 (1), the\nperson who seized the substance shall cause it to be given to an\nanalyst.\n\n","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"193","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notification by defendants—analyst’s evidence","content":"193 Notification by defendants—analyst’s evidence\nAfter service of a copy of an analyst’s certificate on a defendant in\nproceedings for an offence, the defendant may, within 5 days, notify\nthe director of public prosecutions in writing whether the defendant\nintends to call the analyst who issued the certificate to give evidence\nin the proceeding.\n","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"Div 11","sectionType":"division","heading":"4 Disposal of seized substances,","content":"Division 11.4 Disposal of seized substances,\ncompensation and recovery\n","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"193A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions for div 11.4","content":"193A Definitions for div 11.4\nIn this division:\nchapter 6 substance means any of the following within the meaning\nof the Criminal Code, chapter 6:\n(a) a controlled drug;\n(b) a controlled plant;\n(c) a controlled precursor.\nprotocol means the seized cannabis plants protocol or the seized\ncannabis product protocol.\nseized cannabis plant means a cannabis plant that is a seized\nsubstance.\nseized cannabis plants protocol means the protocol determined under\nsection 193B (1) (a) (Protocols for destruction etc of cannabis).\nseized cannabis product means cannabis, other than in the form of a\ncannabis plant, that is a seized substance.\nseized cannabis product protocol means the protocol determined\nunder section 193B (1) (b) (Protocols for destruction etc of cannabis).\nseized substance means a substance seized under division 11.3 or\nanother territory law.\n\n","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"193B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Protocols for destruction etc of cannabis","content":"193B Protocols for destruction etc of cannabis\n(1) The government analyst may determine the following protocols:\n(a) a protocol that sets out methods and procedures for—\n(i) the handling and destruction of seized cannabis plants; and\n(ii) the preservation of samples of seized cannabis plants;\n(b) a protocol that sets out methods and procedures for—\n(i) the handling and destruction of seized cannabis product;\nand\n(ii) the preservation of samples of seized cannabis product.\n(2) The government analyst may determine a protocol only if the protocol\nhas been approved, in writing, by the chief health officer and the\ndirector of public prosecutions.\n(3) A determination is a disallowable instrument.\n","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"193C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Destruction of cannabis without court order","content":"193C Destruction of cannabis without court order\n(1) The government analyst may, without a court order, destroy seized\ncannabis plants in accordance with the seized cannabis plants\nprotocol.\n(2) Before destroying seized cannabis plants under subsection (1), the\ngovernment analyst must preserve samples of the plants in\naccordance with seized cannabis plants protocol.\n(3) The government analyst may, without a court order, destroy seized\ncannabis product in accordance with the seized cannabis product\nprotocol.\n(4) Before destroying seized cannabis product under subsection (3), the\ngovernment analyst must preserve a sample of the product in\naccordance with the seized cannabis product protocol.\n\n(5) The government analyst must not destroy seized cannabis plants or\nseized cannabis product within 24 hours after the plants or product\nare given to the analyst under section 191 (Analysis).\n(6) The government analyst must not destroy seized cannabis plants or\nseized cannabis product—\n(a) contrary to a protocol; or\n(b) contrary to a court order of which the analyst has notice; or\n(c) if the analyst has notice of an application under section 193D in\nrelation to the plants or product—until the application is finally\ndecided.\n(7) The government analyst must not destroy a sample preserved under\nsubsection (2) or (4)—\n(a) without the written consent of the director of public\nprosecutions; or\n(b) contrary to a court order of which the analyst has notice.\n","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"193D","sectionType":"section","heading":"Order for preservation of cannabis","content":"193D Order for preservation of cannabis\n(1) A person may apply to the Magistrates Court for an order for the\npreservation of seized cannabis plants or seized cannabis product (the\nseized cannabis) if the person—\n(a) has been charged with an offence in relation to the seized\ncannabis; or\n(b) believes, on reasonable grounds, that he or she is likely to be\ncharged with an offence in relation to the seized cannabis.\n(2) The applicant must give notice of the application to the director of\npublic prosecutions and the government analyst.\n(3) Without limiting how notice of the application may be given, the\napplicant may give notice by telephone or by providing a written\ncopy.\n\n(4) If the Magistrates Court considers that a temporary order should be\nmade to prevent the imminent destruction of the seized cannabis, the\ncourt may make an order for the preservation of the seized cannabis\nfor a stated period.\n(5) The Magistrates Court may make an order under subsection (4) even\nif notice of the application has not been given to the director of public\nprosecutions or the government analyst.\n(6) The Magistrates Court may make an order for the preservation of the\nseized cannabis, or a part or quantity of the seized cannabis.\n","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"193E","sectionType":"section","heading":"Amendment and revocation of cannabis preservation","content":"193E Amendment and revocation of cannabis preservation\n(1) This section applies if the Magistrates Court has made an order under\nsection 193D for the preservation of seized cannabis plants or seized\ncannabis product (the seized cannabis) or a part or quantity of the\nseized cannabis.\n(2) The director of public prosecutions or the government analyst may\napply to the Magistrates Court for the amendment or revocation of\nthe order.\n(3) The applicant must, if practicable, give written notice of the\napplication to—\n(a) each person who has been charged with an offence relating to\nthe seized cannabis; and\n(b) each person who, to the knowledge or in the belief of the\napplicant, is likely to be charged with an offence relating to the\nseized cannabis.\n(4) For subsection (3), a notice may be given to a person by giving it to\na solicitor acting for the person in a proceeding, or expected\nproceeding, relating to the seized cannabis.\n\n(5) The Magistrates Court may amend the order on application under\nsubsection (2) if satisfied that the amendment—\n(a) is in the public interest; and\n(b) would not prejudice the proper interests of anyone mentioned in\nsubsection (3) (a) or (b).\n(6) The Magistrates Court must revoke the order on application under\nsubsection (2) if satisfied that—\n(a) all proceedings begun for offences in relation to the seized\ncannabis have been finalised; and\n(b) no other proceedings for offences in relation to the seized\ncannabis are likely to be brought.\n(7) However, the Magistrates Court must not revoke the order under\nsubsection (6) if it appears to the court that the public interest requires\nthe order to remain in effect.\n(8) The director of public prosecutions or the government analyst may\nmake more than 1 application under this section in relation to an order\nunder section 193D.\n","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"193F","sectionType":"section","heading":"Making of orders about preservation of cannabis","content":"193F Making of orders about preservation of cannabis\n(1) This section applies to the making of an order under section 193D\n(Order for preservation of cannabis), or an order under that section as\namended under section 193E (Amendment and revocation of\ncannabis preservation), for the preservation of seized cannabis plants\nor seized cannabis product (the seized cannabis) or a part or quantity\nof the seized cannabis.\n(2) The order must not affect a requirement for the preservation of—\n(a) if the order relates to seized cannabis plants—a sample of the\nplants required under the seized cannabis plants protocol; or\n(b) if the order relates to seized cannabis product—a sample of the\nproduct required under the seized cannabis product protocol.\n\n(3) In deciding whether the order should require, or continue to require,\nthe preservation of the seized cannabis to a greater extent than\nrequired by the relevant protocol, the Magistrates Court must take\naccount of the following matters:\n(a) the matters mentioned in any analyst’s certificate in relation to\nthe seized cannabis;\n(b) how long the seized cannabis is likely to be kept;\n(c) the extent (if any) to which facilities are available for the secure\nkeeping of the seized cannabis during that period;\n(d) the health and safety of people working in or near the place\nwhere the seized cannabis is, or will be, kept;\n(e) the number of people (if any) charged with offences in relation\nto the seized cannabis;\n(f) the likelihood that anyone else will be charged with offences in\nrelation to the seized cannabis;\n(g) when the hearing of any charge for an offence in relation to the\nseized cannabis is likely to take place;\n(h) any other relevant matter (including, in particular, the interests\nof justice).\n","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"194","sectionType":"section","heading":"Disposal of seized substances other than cannabis on","content":"194 Disposal of seized substances other than cannabis on\norder of magistrate\n(1) This section does not apply to cannabis.\n(2) On receiving a notification from an analyst about a seized substance\nthat the analyst has identified as being or containing a drug of\ndependence, prohibited substance or chapter 6 substance, the director\nof public prosecutions may apply to a magistrate in accordance with\nsection 194A for an order that a specified quantity of the substance\nbe disposed of.\n\n(3) The director of public prosecutions shall only specify a quantity under\nsubsection (2) that would leave a quantity of the seized substance\nremaining at least sufficient to enable the substance to be analysed\ntwice.\n(4) The director of public prosecutions shall give a copy of an application\nto—\n(a) the person from whom the substance was seized, if that person\nis identifiable; and\n(b) any person who the director of public prosecutions believes on\nreasonable grounds to have had an interest in the substance\nimmediately before its seizure; and\n(c) each defendant in proceedings for an offence in relation to the\nsubstance, or the defendant’s lawyer on the record in the\nproceedings.\n(5) On an application in accordance with this section, if a magistrate is\nsatisfied—\n(a) that each person referred to in subsection (4) has been given a\nreasonable opportunity to be heard; and\n(b) that no person notified of the application disputes the total\nweight of the seized substance as stated in the application; and\n(c) that no person who has not been notified of the application is\nlikely to be charged with an offence in relation to that substance;\nthe magistrate shall order the government analyst to dispose of the\nquantity of the seized substance specified in the application.\n(6) The government analyst shall comply with an order of the magistrate\nunder subsection (5).\n(7) If a magistrate has refused to make an order, the director of public\nprosecutions may make a further application in accordance with this\nsection.\n\n","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"194A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Applications under s 194","content":"194A Applications under s 194\nAn application under section 194 (2) in relation to a seized substance\nshall—\n(a) state the circumstances in which the substance was seized; and\n(b) specify the quantity of the substance to be kept or disposed of,\nas the case requires; and\n(c) for an application under section 194 (2)—specify the quantity of\nthe substance sufficient to enable it to be analysed twice; and\n(d) include any further information relevant to the application,\nincluding information about facilities for the secure retention of\nthe substance; and\n(e) be accompanied by an analyst’s certificate in relation to the\nsubstance.\n","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"195","sectionType":"section","heading":"Final disposal of seized substances","content":"195 Final disposal of seized substances\n(1) If an analyst has identified a seized substance as being or containing\na drug of dependence, prohibited substance or chapter 6 substance,\nthe government analyst shall dispose of any remaining quantity of the\nsubstance—\n(a) if, within 3 months of the seizure, proceedings are instituted for\nan offence in relation to the substance—after those proceedings\nare completed; or\n(b) in any other case—at the end of 3 months after the date of the\nseizure.\n(2) However, the government analyst need not dispose of a substance\nwhen required to under subsection (1) if the analyst—\n(a) tells the chief health officer in writing that the analyst intends to\nuse the substance as a reference under the Public Health\nAct 1997, section 15AA (Analysts and assistants—authority to\nhandle drugs etc); and\n\n(b) removes from the substance any information that links the\nsubstance to an offence or prosecution or to a person from whom\nit was seized.\n","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"196","sectionType":"section","heading":"Compensation for seizure","content":"196 Compensation for seizure\nIf, after the relevant period referred to in section 195—\n(a) a seized substance referred to in that section has been completely\ndisposed of; and\n(b) no offence in relation to the substance has been found proved;\nthe Territory shall pay to the person who was entitled to the\nimmediate, lawful possession of the substance immediately before its\nseizure an amount equal to the value of the substance at the time of\npayment.\n","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"197","sectionType":"section","heading":"Seized property","content":"197 Seized property\n(1) If property has been seized under division 11.3, the person who\npossessed that property immediately before its seizure may recover\nthe property—\n(a) if, within 3 months of the seizure, proceedings are instituted for\nan offence in relation to which the property could, in the opinion\nof the chief police officer or the director of public prosecutions,\nprovide evidence—after those proceedings are completed; or\n(b) in any other case—at the end of 3 months after the date of\nseizure.\n(2) This section does not apply in relation to a substance that an analyst\nhas identified as being, or containing, a drug of dependence,\nprohibited substance or chapter 6 substance.\n\nMiscellaneous Part 13\n","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"201","sectionType":"section","heading":"Secrecy","content":"201 Secrecy\n(1) This section applies to an analyst or any other person who is, or has\nbeen, engaged in exercising powers or duties under this Act.\n(2) A person to whom this section applies shall not, either directly or\nindirectly, except in the exercise of a power or a duty under this Act—\n(a) make a record of, or divulge or communicate to any person, any\ninformation acquired by the firstmentioned person about a\nmanufacturing or trade process or the affairs of another person;\nor\n(b) produce to a person a document produced to, or otherwise\nacquired by, the firstmentioned person;\nbecause of the exercise of those powers or duties.\n(3) Nothing in this section applies in relation to the giving of\ninformation—\n(a) about a person if the giving of the information is necessary to\nremove a threat to the life or health of the person; or\n(b) to a police officer in answer to a lawful request by the police\nofficer while acting in the course of his or her duty; or\n(c) to a court, by way of the production of a document or otherwise,\nin accordance with a subpoena; or\n(d) to a person, relating to the personal affairs of the person\nrequesting the information.\n\n","sortOrder":36},{"sectionNumber":"204","sectionType":"section","heading":"Determination of fees","content":"204 Determination of fees\n(1) The Minister may determine fees for this Act.\n(2) A determination is a disallowable instrument.\n","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"205B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Review of certain amendments related to personal use","content":"205B Review of certain amendments related to personal use\n(1) The Minister must appoint a person with expertise in relation to\npeople who use drugs or substances to which this Act applies\n(an independent reviewer) to review the operation of the amendments\nof this Act made by the Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use)\nAmendment Act 2022, as soon as practicable after the end of their\n2nd year of operation.\n(2) The Minister must not appoint a person as the independent reviewer\nif the person is a public servant.\n(3) The person undertaking the review must consult with the members of\nany community the reviewer considers is affected, or likely to be\naffected, by the operation of the amendments.\n(4) The Minister must present a report of the review to the Legislative\nAssembly within 6 months after the day the review is started.\n(5) This section expires 4 years after the day it commences.\n","sortOrder":38},{"sectionNumber":"206","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulation-making power","content":"206 Regulation-making power\nThe Executive may make regulations for this Act.\n\n(see s 2)\nNote 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to\nthis Act.\nNote 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:\n• ACAT\n• chief police officer\n• intersex person (see s 169B)\n• police officer\n• territory law.\nanalyst means an analyst under the Public Health Act 1997,\nsection 15 who is authorised under that Act to exercise a function\nunder this Act.\nNote Analyst includes the government analyst (see Public Health Act 1997,\ndict).\nanalyst’s certificate means a certificate under the Public Health\nAct 1997, section 135A.\ncannabis—\n(a) means a cannabis plant, whether living or dead, and includes any\nflowering or fruiting top, leaf, seed, stalk or any other part of a\ncannabis plant and any mixture of parts of a cannabis plant or\ncannabis plants; but\n(b) does not include—\n(i) cannabis resin; or\n(ii) cannabis fibre; or\n(iii) cannabis food products.\nNote See also section 5.\ncannabis fibre means a substance consisting wholly or substantially\nof fibre from a cannabis plant but not containing any other material\nfrom a cannabis plant.\n\ncannabis food product—see section 6.\ncannabis plant means a plant of the Genus Cannabis.\ncannabis resin means a substance consisting wholly or substantially\nof resin, whether crude, purified or in any other form, from a cannabis\nplant.\nchapter 6 substance—\n(a) for division 11.3 (Search, seizure and analysis)—see\nsection 182; and\n(b) for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized substances, compensation\nand recovery)—see section 193A.\nconnected, for part 11 (Enforcement)—see section 174.\ndrug dependence means the condition because of which a person is a\ndrug-dependent person.\ndrug-dependent person, in relation to a drug of dependence or\nprohibited substance, means a person with a condition—\n(a) who, as a result of the administration of the drug or substance,\ndemonstrates, in relation to the person’s use of the drug or\nsubstance—\n(i) impaired control; or\n(ii) drug-seeking behaviour that suggests impaired control; and\n(b) who, as a result of the cessation of the administration of the drug\nor substance, is likely to experience symptoms of mental or\nphysical distress or disorder.\ndrug of dependence means a substance prescribed by regulation as a\ndrug of dependence.\ngovernment analyst means the government analyst under the Public\nHealth Act 1997, section 15 (a).\n\nhospital—see the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods\nAct 2008, dictionary.\nmental condition does not include drug dependence.\noccupier, for part 11 (Enforcement)—see section 174 (4).\noffence, for part 11 (Enforcement)—see section 174.\nphysical condition—\n(a) means—\n(i) a physical disease, illness, ailment, defect or injury; or\n(ii) pregnancy; or\n(iii) a physical state that may be changed by surgery in the\ncourse of professional medical practice; but\n(b) does not include drug dependence.\nplace, for division 11.3 (Search, seizure and analysis)—see\nsection 182.\nprohibited substance means a substance prescribed by regulation as\na prohibited substance.\nprotocol, for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized substances,\ncompensation and recovery)—see section 193A.\nseized cannabis plant, for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized\nseized cannabis plants protocol, for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized\nseized cannabis product, for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized\nseized cannabis product protocol, for division 11.4 (Disposal of\nseized substances, compensation and recovery)—see section 193A.\n\nseized substance, for division 11.4 (Disposal of seized substances,\ncompensation and recovery)—see section 193A.\nsell includes offer or expose for sale.\nsmall quantity, for a drug of dependence or a prohibited substance,\nmeans a quantity of the drug or substance that is not more than the\nquantity prescribed by regulation.\nsupply includes offer to supply but does not include administer.\n\nAbout the endnotes 1\n1 About the endnotes\nAmending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the\namendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law\nbut are set out in the endnotes.\nNot all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are\nannotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be\nobtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.\nUncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details\nof these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are\nunderlined in the legislation history and amendment history.\nIf all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered\nprovisions gives details of previous and current numbering.\nThe endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.\n2 Abbreviation key\nA = Act NI = Notifiable instrument\nAF = Approved form o = order\nam = amended om = omitted/repealed\namdt = amendment ord = ordinance\nAR = Assembly resolution orig = original\nch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph\nCN = Commencement notice pres = present\ndef = definition prev = previous\nDI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously\ndict = dictionary pt = part\ndisallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule\nAssembly reloc = relocated\ndiv = division renum = renumbered\nexp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No\nGaz = gazette RI = reissue\nhdg = heading s = section/subsection\nIA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule\nins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision\nLA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law\nLR = legislation register sub = substituted\nLRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced\nmod = modified/modification or to be expired\n\nThis Act was originally a Commonwealth ordinance—the Drugs of Dependence\nOrdinance 1989 No 11 (Cwlth).\nThe Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 (Cwlth), s 34 (4)\nconverted most former Commonwealth ordinances in force in the ACT into ACT\nenactments. This allowed the ACT Legislative Assembly to amend and repeal the\nlaws. This Act was converted into an ACT enactment on 11 May 1989\n(self-government day).\nAs with most ordinances in force in the ACT, the name was changed from\nOrdinance to Act by the Self-Government (Citation of Laws) Act 1989 A1989-21,\ns 5 on 11 May 1989 (self-government day).\nAfter 11 May 1989 and before 10 November 1999, Acts commenced on their\nnotification day unless otherwise stated (see Australian Capital Territory\n(Self-Government) Act 1988 (Cwlth) s 25).\nLegislation before becoming Territory enactment\nDrugs of Dependence Act 1989 A1989-11\nnotified 15 March 1989\ncommenced 1 April 1989 (s 2 and Cwlth Gaz 1989 No S109)\nas amended by\nSelf-Government (Consequential Amendments) Ordinance 1989\nOrd1989-38 sch 1\nnotified 10 May 1989 (Cwlth Gaz 1989 No S160)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 10 May 1989 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 11 May 1989 (s 2 (2) and see Cwlth Gaz 1989\nNo S164)\nLegislation after becoming Territory enactment\nHealth Services (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 A1990-63 sch 1\nnotified 28 December 1990 (Gaz 1990 No S102)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 28 December 1990 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 31 January 1991 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1991 No S4)\n\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1991 A1991-5\nnotified 1 March 1991 (Gaz 1991 No S7)\nss 1-3 commenced 1 March 1991 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 15 March 1991 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1991 No S16)\nMagistrates and Coroner’s Courts (Registrar) Act 1991 A1991-44\ns 7 (2) and sch 1\nnotified 20 September 1991 (Gaz 1991 No S95)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 September 1991 (s 2 (1))\ns 7 (2) and sch 1 commenced 25 September 1991 (s 2 (2) and\nGaz 1991 No S103)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1992 A1992-52\nnotified 18 September 1992 (Gaz 1992 No S158)\ncommenced 18 September 1992\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1992 A1992-61\nnotified 30 October 1992 (Gaz 1992 No S183)\ncommenced 30 October 1992\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 3) 1992 A1992-62\nnotified 30 October 1992 (Gaz 1992 No S183)\ncommenced 30 October 1992\nStatute Law Revision (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 A1993-1\ncommenced 1 March 1993\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1993 A1993-7\nnotified 25 February 1993 (Gaz 1993 No S22)\nss 1-3 commenced 25 February 1993 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 3 March 1993 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1993 No S33)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1993 A1993-10\nss 1-3 commenced 1 March 1993 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 31 March 1993 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1993 No S53)\nHealth (Consequential Provisions) Act 1993 A1993-14 sch 1\ncommenced 1 March 1993 (s 2)\n\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 3) 1993 A1993-45\nnotified 27 August 1993 (Gaz 1993 No S165)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 August 1993 (s 2 (1))\nremainder commenced 20 September 1993 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1993 No\nS190)\nPublic Sector Management (Consequential and Transitional\nProvisions) Act 1994 A1994-38 sch 1 pt 29\nnotified 30 June 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S121)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 1994 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 pt 29 commenced 1 July 1994 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1994 S142)\nAdministrative Appeals (Consequential Amendments) Act 1994\nA1994-60 sch 1\nnotified 11 October 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S197)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 October 1994 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 14 November 1994 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1994 No S250)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1994 A1994-74\nnotified 1 November 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S229)\ncommenced 1 November 1994 (s 2)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1994 A1994-90\nnotified 15 December 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S280)\ncommenced 15 December 1994 (s 2)\nStatutory Offices (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1994 A1994-97 sch\nnotified 15 December 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S280)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 15 December 1994 (s 2 (1))\nsch commenced 15 December 1994 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1994 No S293)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1995 A1995-31\nnotified 3 October 1995 (Gaz 1995 No S243)\ncommenced 3 October 1995 (s 2)\nStatute Law Revision Act 1995 A1995-46 sch\nnotified 18 December 1995 (Gaz 1995 No S306)\namdts commenced 18 December 1995 (s 2)\n\nHealth and Community Care Services (Consequential Provisions) Act\n","sortOrder":39},{"sectionNumber":"1996","sectionType":"section","heading":"A1996-35 sch","content":"1996 A1996-35 sch\nnotified 1 July 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S130)\ncommenced 1 July 1996 (s 2)\nRemuneration Tribunal (Consequential Amendments) Act 1997\nA1997-41 sch 1 (as am by A2002-49 amdt 3.222)\nnotified 19 September 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S264)\ncommenced 24 September 1997 (s 2 as am by A2002-49 amdt 3.222)\nPublic Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 A1997-70 sch 1\nnotified 9 October 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S300)\nss 1-3 commenced 9 October 1997 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 13 August 1998 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1998 No S185)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1997 A1997-75\nnotified 25 November 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S360)\ncommenced 25 November 1997 (s 2)\nLegal Practitioners (Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 A1997-96\nnotified 1 December 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S380)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 1 December 1997 (s 2 (1))\nsch 1 commenced 1 June 1998 (s 2 (2))\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1997 A1997-127\nnotified 24 December 1997 (Gaz 1997 No S420)\ncommenced 24 December 1997 (s 2)\nDrugs of Dependence (Amendment) Act 1999 A1999-23\nnotified 14 April 1999 (Gaz 1999 No S16)\ncommenced 14 April 1999 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2001 A2001-11 sch 1\nnotified 29 March 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 13)\ncommenced 29 March 2001 (s 2)\nLegislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 113\nnotified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\npt 113 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001\nNo S65)\n\nDrugs of Dependence Amendment Act 2001 A2001-48\nnotified 12 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 28)\ns 1, s 2 commenced 12 July 2001 (IA s 10B)\nremainder (ss 3-21) commenced 23 October 2001 (s 2 and CN2001-5)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2001 (No 2) 2001 No 56 pt 3.17\nnotified 5 September 2001 (Gaz 2001 No S65)\ncommenced 5 September 2001 (s 2 (1))\nDrugs of Dependence Amendment Act 2001 (No 2) A2001-98\nnotified LR 20 December 2001\ncommenced 20 December 2001 (s 2)\nDrugs of Dependence Amendment Act 2002 A2002-12\nnotified LR 23 May 2002\ns 1, s 2 commenced 23 May 2002 (LA s 75)\nremainder commenced 24 May 2002 (s 2)\nHealth and Community Care Services (Repeal and Consequential\nAmendments) Act 2002 A2002-47 pt 1.1\nnotified LR 20 December 2002\ns 1, s 2 commenced 20 December 2002 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 1.1 commenced 31 December 2002 (s 2)\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2002 (No 2) A2002-49 amdt 3.222\nnotified LR 20 December 2002\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 7 October 1994 (LA s 75 (2))\namdt 3.222 commenced 24 September 1997 (s 2 (3))\nNote This Act only amends the Remuneration Tribunal\n(Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 A1997-41.\nLegislation (Gay, Lesbian and Transgender) Amendment Act\n","sortOrder":40},{"sectionNumber":"2003","sectionType":"section","heading":"A2003-14 sch pt 1.14","content":"2003 A2003-14 sch pt 1.14\nnotified LR 27 March 2003\ns 1, s 2 commenced 27 March 2003 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch pt 1.14 commenced 28 March 2003 (s 2)\nCriminal Code (Theft, Fraud, Bribery and Related Offences)\nAmendment Act 2004 A2004-15 sch 1 pt 1.10, sch 2 pt 2.28\nnotified LR 26 March 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.10, sch 2 pt 2.28 commenced 9 April 2004 (s 2 (1))\n\nHealth Professionals Legislation Amendment Act 2004 A2004-39\nsch 4 pt 4.2,sch 5 pt 5.7, sch 6 pt 6.4, sch 8 pt 8.1, sch 11A pt 11A.2\n(as am by A2005-28 amdt 1.61)\nnotified LR 8 July 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 8 July 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 5 pt 5.7 commenced 7 July 2005 (s 2 and see Health Professionals\nAct 2004 A2004-38, s 2 and CN2005-11)\nsch 6 pt 6.4 commenced 17 January 2006 (s 2 and see Health\nProfessionals Act 2004 A2004-38, s 2 (as am by A2005-28 amdt 1.1;\nA2006-27 s 12) and CN2006-2)\nsch 4 pt 4.2, sch 8 pt 8.1, sch 11A pt 11A.2 commenced 9 January\n2007 (s 2 and see Health Professionals Act 2004 A2004-38, s 2 (as am\nby A2005-28 amdt 1.1; A2006-27 s 12))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2004 A2004-42 sch 1 pt 1.1, sch 3 pt 3.8\nnotified LR 11 August 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 August 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.1, sch 3 pt 3.8 commenced 25 August 2004 (s 2 (1))\nHemp Fibre Industry Facilitation Act 2004 A2004-48 pt 6\nnotified LR 16 August 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 16 August 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 6 commenced 16 February 2005 (s 2 and LA s 79)\nDrugs of Dependence (Syringe Vending Machines) Amendment\nAct 2004 A2004-55\nnotified LR 11 August 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 11 August 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nremainder commenced 12 August 2004 (s 2)\nCriminal Code (Serious Drug Offences) Amendment Act 2004\nA2004-56 sch 1 pt 1.3\nnotified LR 6 September 2004\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 6 March 2005 (s 2 and LA s 79)\n\nJustice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2005\nA2005-5 pt 6\nnotified LR 23 February 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 23 February 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 6 commenced 6 March 2005 (s 2 (1) and see Criminal Code\n(Serious Drug Offences) Amendment Act 2004 A2004-56 s 2 and\nLA s 79)\nHealth Legislation Amendment Act 2005 A2005-28 amdt 1.61\nnotified LR 6 July 2005\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 July 2005 (LA s 75 (1))\namdt 1.61 commenced 9 January 2007 (LA s 79A and A2004-39)\nNote This Act only amends the Health Professionals Legislation\nAmendment Act A2004-39.\nSentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2006 A2006-23 sch 1 pt 1.15\nnotified LR 18 May 2006\ns 1, s 2 commenced 18 May 2006 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.15 commenced 2 June 2006 (s 2 (1) and see Crimes\n(Sentence Administration) Act 2005 A2005-59 s 2, Crimes\n(Sentencing) Act 2005 A2005-58, s 2 and LA s 79)\nHealth Legislation Amendment Act 2006 (No 2) A2006-46 sch 2 pt 2.4\nnotified LR 17 November 2006\ns 1, s 2 commenced 17 November 2006 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.4 commenced 18 November 2006 (s 2 (1))\nChildren and Young People (Consequential Amendments) Act 2008\nA2008-20 sch 4 pt 4.13\nnotified LR 17 July 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 17 July 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 4 pt 4.13 commenced 27 February 2009 (s 2 (5) and see Children\nand Young People Act 2008 A2008-19, s 2 and CN2008-17 (and see\nCN2008-13))\nMedicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 A2008-26 sch 2\npt 2.9\nnotified LR 14 August 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 14 August 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 2 pt 2.9 commenced 14 February 2009 (s 2 and LA s 79)\n\nACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment\nAct 2008 A2008-36 sch 1 pt 1.21\nnotified LR 4 September 2008\ns 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.21 commenced 14 February 2009 (s 2 (5) and see\nMedicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 A2008-26, s 2\nand LA s 79)\nHealth Legislation Amendment Act 2010 A2010-2 pt 2\nnotified LR 16 February 2010\ns 1, s 2 commenced 16 February 2010 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 2 commenced 16 August 2010 (s 2 and LA s 79)\nCrimes Legislation Amendment Act 2013 (No 2) A2013-50 pt 9\nnotified LR 9 December 2013\ns 1, s 2 commenced 9 December 2013 (LA s 75)\npt 9 commenced 10 December 2013 (s 2 (2))\nRed Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33\nsch 1 pt 1.10\nnotified LR 25 September 2018\ns 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75)\nsch 1 pt 1.10 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))\nCrimes Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (No 2) A2018-40 pt 6\nnotified LR 7 November 2018\ns 1, s 2 commenced 7 November 2018 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 6 commenced 8 November 2018 (s 2)\nCrimes Legislation Amendment Act 2019 A2019-23 pt 8\nnotified LR 8 August 2019\ns 1, s 2 commenced 8 August 2019 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 8 commenced 15 August 2019 (s 2 (1))\nDrugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Act 2019\nA2019-34\nnotified LR 10 October 2019\ns 1, s 2 commenced 10 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))\nremainder commenced 31 January 2020 (s 2 (1) and CN2020-1))\n\nCOVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation Amendment Act 2020\nA2020-14 sch 1 pt 1.10\nnotified LR 13 May 2020\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 30 March 2020 (LA s 75 (2))\nsch 1 pt 1.10 commenced 14 May 2020 (s 2 (1))\nCOVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation Amendment Act 2021\nA2021-1 sch 1 pt 1.8\nnotified LR 19 February 2021\ns 1, s 2 commenced 19 February 2021 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.8 commenced 20 February 2021 (s 2 (1))\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.10\nnotified LR 9 June 2021\ns 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.10 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))\nOperational Efficiencies (COVID-19) Legislation Amendment Act 2021\nA2021-24 pt 8\nnotified LR 13 October 2021\ns 1, s 2 taken to have commenced 8 October 2021 (LA s 75 (2))\npt 8 commenced 14 October 2021 (s 2 (1))\nDrugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Act 2022 A2022-20\npt 2\nnotified LR 28 October 2022\ns 1, s 2 commenced 28 October 2022 (LA s 75 (1))\npt 2 commenced 28 October 2023 (s 2)\nCourts Legislation Amendment Act 2023 A2023-37 sch 1 pt 1.6\nnotified LR 29 September 2023\ns 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.6 commenced 30 September 2023 (s 2)\nTobacco and Other Smoking Products (Vaping Goods) Amendment\nAct 2025 A2025-8 sch 1 pt 1.1\nnotified LR 17 April 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 17 April 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 18 April 2025 (s 2)\n\nStatute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.33, sch 4\npt 4.61\nnotified LR 6 November 2025\ns 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))\nsch 3 pt 3.33, sch 4 pt 4.61 commenced 16 November 2025 (s 2 (1),\n(9))\n\nLong title\nlong title sub A2008-26 amdt 2.20\ns 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.1187\nins A2008-26 amdt 2.21\nNotes\ns 3 am A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-10 s 4; A2001-44 amdt 1.1190;\nA2001-48 amdt 1.3; A2006-46 amdt 2.6\nsub A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef analyst om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef board ins A1990-63 sch 1\ndef cannabis om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef cannabis fibre om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef cannabis oil om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef cannabis plant om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef cannabis resin om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef central store om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef chief executive ins A1993-63 sch 1\ndef chief health officer ins A1997-70 sch 1\nom R6 LA\ndef chief pharmacist om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef class 1 institution om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef class 2 institution om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef community pharmacy om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef dentist om A2004-39 amdt 4.2\ndef determined fee om A2001-44 amdt 1.1188\ndef director ins A1994-74 s 4\nam A1996-35 sch\nsub A2002-47 amdt 1.1\ndef dispensary om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef drug dependence om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef drug-dependent person om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef drug inspector om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef drug of dependence sub A1993-10 s 4; A2005-5 s 21\ndef enrolled nurse sub A2004-39 amdt 6.4\nom A2006-46 amdt 2.7\ndef general manager om A1993-63 sch 1\ndef government analyst ins A1993-7 s 4\nsub A1994-97 sch\n\ndef hospital om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef institution om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef intern sub A2001-11 amdt 1.1\nsub A2004-39 amdt 5.10\ndef manufacture om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef manufacturer’s licence om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef medical officer of health om A1997-70 sch 1\ndef medical practitioner om A2004-39 amdt 5.11\ndef mental condition om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef methadone program treatment centre am A1990-63\nsub A1992-61 s 3\nam A1993-14 sch 1\nsub A1993-45 s 4\nom A2001-48 amdt 1.1\ndef nurse sub A2004-39 amdt 6.5\nom A2006-46 amdt 2.7\ndef opioid dependency treatment centre ins A2001-48 s 4\ndef pharmacist om A2004-39 amdt 8.1\ndef physical condition om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef prescription sub A1993-10 s 4; A2005-5 s 22\ndef prohibited substance om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef reconciliation amount ins A2001-44 amdt 1.1189\nom Ord1989-11 s 209\nins A2001-48 s 4\ndef register om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef requisition om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef sell om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef sell by wholesale om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef service om A1993-63 sch 1\ndef supply om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef syringe om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef treatment ins A1995-31 s 5\nam A2001-48 s 5\ndef treatment centre ins A1992-62 s 3\nam A1993-14 sch 1; A1996-35 sch; A2002-47 amdt 1.2;\ndef treatment centre inspector om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\ndef tribunal am Ord1989-38 sch 1\nom A1994-60 sch 1\n\ndef veterinary surgeon om A2004-39 amdt 11A.2 (as am by\nA2005-28 amdt 1.61)\ndef ward am A2001-48 amdt 1.2\ndef wholesaler’s licence om A2008-26 amdt 2.21\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 3AA ins A2004-56 amdt 1.9\nDirector\ns 3A reloc and renum as s 121A\nOffences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc\ns 4 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nins A2008-26 amdt 2.23\nam A2019-34 s 4; A2022-20 s 4\ndef drug of dependence sub A1993-10 s 5; A2005-5 s 23\ndef licensed premises om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nInterpretation\npt 2 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nins A2019-23 s 30\nReferences to buprenorphine, cannabis or methadone\ns 5 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1191\nins A2008-26 amdt 2.23\nMeaning of cannabis food product\ns 6 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.31\nins A2019-23 s 31\nManufacturer’s licence—conditions\ns 7 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nManufacturer’s licence—variation of conditions\ns 8 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\nManufacturer’s licence—amendment\ns 9 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\nManufacturer’s licence—surrender\ns 10 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\n\nManufacturer’s licence—cancellation\ns 11 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.32\nReports of dealings—manufacturers\ns 12 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nManufacturer’s licence—duration\ns 13 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nManufacturer’s licence—renewal\ns 14 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1192\nOffences—manufacturers\ns 15 am A2002-12 sch 1\nDisposal of by-products\ns 16 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nReturn of licence to chief health officer\ns 17 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nWholesale\npt 3 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nDefinitions for pt 3\ns 18 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef licensed premises om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nWholesaler’s licence—application\ns 19 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1193\nWholesaler’s licence—grant\ns 20 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.33\nWholesaler’s licence—conditions\ns 21 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nWholesaler’s licence—variation of conditions\ns 22 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\n\nWholesaler’s licence—change of address\ns 23 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nWholesaler’s licence—surrender\ns 24 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nWholesaler’s licence—cancellation\ns 25 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA2004-42 amdt 3.34\nReports of dealings—wholesalers\ns 26 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nWholesaler’s licence—duration\ns 27 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nWholesaler’s licence—renewal\ns 28 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1194\nOffences—wholesalers\ns 29 am A2002-12 sch 1\nReturn of licence to chief health officer\ns 30 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nResearch, education and first aid\npt 4 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation for research or education\ndiv 4.1 hdg (prev pt 4 div 1 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 4.1\ns 31 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\ndef authorisation om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef authorised person om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef clinical trial protocol om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef institution om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef program om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef recognised educational institution om A2008-26\namdt 2.24\ndef recognised research institution om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef use om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\n\nAuthorisation (research or education)—application\ns 32 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-44 amdts 1.1195-\n1.1197\nAuthorisation (research or education)—grant\ns 33 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nAuthorisation (research or education)—conditions\ns 34 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation (research or education)—variation of conditions\ns 35 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\nAuthorisation (research or education)—surrender\ns 36 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nAuthorisation (research or education)—cancellation\ns 37 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nAuthorisation (research or education)—duration\ns 38 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation (research or education)—renewal\ns 39 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1198\nReturn of authorisation to chief health officer\ns 40 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nFirst-aid kits\ndiv 4.2 hdg (prev pt 4 div 2 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 4.2\ns 41 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef authorisation om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef authorised person om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—application\ns 42 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-44 amdts 1.1199-\n1.1201\n\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—grant\ns 43 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2006-46 amdt 2.8\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—conditions\ns 44 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—variation of conditions\ns 45 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—change of address\ns 46 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—surrender\ns 47 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—cancellation\ns 48 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—duration\ns 49 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nAuthorisation (first-aid)—renewal\ns 50 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-44 amdts 1.1202-\n1.1204\nReturn of authorisation to chief health officer\ns 51 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nOrders and delivery\npt 5 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nApplication of pt 5\ns 52 hdg sub A2004-42 amdt 3.35\ns 52 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nWritten orders\ns 53 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nDelivery\ns 54 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nNotification of drug inspector\ns 55 am A2002-12 sch 1\n\nSupply and administration\npt 6 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nInterpretation for part 6\ndiv 6.1 hdg (prev pt 6 div 1 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for pt 6\ns 56 hdg sub A2004-42 amdt 3.36\ns 56 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef amphetamine om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef doctor am A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nPrescriptions\ndiv 6.2 hdg (prev pt 6 div 2 hdg) renum R6 LA\nIssue of prescriptions\ns 57 am A1993-1 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nPrescribing drugs of dependence\ns 58 am A1997-70 sch 1; A1999-23 s 4; A2001-48 amdt 1.4;\nA2001-98 s 4, s 5; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16)\nsub A2002-12 s 4\nMethadone or buprenorphine\ns 59 hdg sub A2001-48 amdt 1.5\ns 59 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-48 amdts 1.6-1.8; A2001-98 s 6;\nMorphine\ns 59A ins A1999-23 s 5\nWritten prescriptions\ns 60 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-98 s 7; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s\n16); A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nPrescriptions issued orally\ns 61 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44; A2006-46 amdt 2.9,\namdt 2.10\nRequisitions\ndiv 6.3 hdg (prev pt 6 div 3 hdg) renum R6 LA\n\nRequisitions generally\ns 62 am A1997-75 s 4; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nWritten requisitions\ns 63 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nRequisitions issued orally\ns 64 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1;\nApproval of prescriptions\ndiv 6.4 hdg (prev pt 6 div 4 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 6.4\ns 65 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef chairperson om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef committee om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef doctor am A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nDrugs advisory committee—establishment\ns 66 am A2004-42 amdt 3.37, amdt 3.44\nTermination of appointment\ns 67 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nApplication for approval\ns 68 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-98 ss 8-12, A2002-12 s 5\nPowers of chief health officer\ns 69 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-98 s 13; A2002-12 s 6\nPowers of committee\ns 70 am A1997-70 sch 1\nVariation and revocation of approvals\ns 71 am A1997-70 sch 1\nReview of decisions of chief health officer\ns 72 am A1997-70 sch 1\n\nForm of approvals\ns 73 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-98 s 14\nDate of effect of approvals\ns 74 am A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-98 s 15\nTransitional\ns 75 am A1997-70 sch 1\nom A2004-42 amdt 3.38\nValidation of chief health officer’s approvals\ns 75A ins A2002-12 s 7\nexp 24 May 2002 (s 75A (2))\nSupply\ndiv 6.5 hdg (prev pt 6 div 5 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 6.5\ns 76 om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\ndef order om A2008-26 amdt 2.24\nMethod of supply\ns 77 am A2002-12 sch 1\nSupply on order\ns 78 am A2001-48 amdt 1.9; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 1.1,\namdt 3.44\nSupply on requisition\ns 79 am A1997-75 s 5; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nSupply on prescription\ns 80 am A1993-45 s 5; A1996-35 sch; A2001-48 amdt 1.10;\nA2002-12 sch 1; A2002-47 amdt 1.4; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nRestrictions on supply\ns 81 am A2002-12 sch 1\nForged prescriptions, requisitions and orders\ns 82 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\n\nSupplying dextromoramide and hydromorphone\ns 83 am A2002-12 sch 1\nAdministration\ndiv 6.6 hdg (prev pt 6 div 6 hdg) renum R6 LA\nAdministration—witnesses\ns 84 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1993-45 s 6; A1996-35\nsch; A2001-48 amdt 1.11; A2002-12 sch 1; A2002-47\namdt 1.5; A2004-42 amdt 3.44; A2006-46 amdt 2.10\nSupply of syringes\npt 7 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.38\nSupply of syringes by approved people\ndiv 7.1 hdg ins A2004-55 s 4\nDefinitions for div 7.1\ns 85 hdg sub A2004-55 s 5\ns 85 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-55 s 5\ndef approval om A2008-26 amdt 2.38\ndef approved person om A2008-26 amdt 2.38\ndef health worker om A2008-26 amdt 2.38\ndef course of instruction om A2008-26 amdt 2.38\nDistribution of syringes—approval\ns 86 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44;\nA2006-46 amdt 2.11\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66C by A2008-26 amdt 2.25\nApproval—surrender\ns 87 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66D by A2008-26 amdt 2.25\nApproval—cancellation\ns 88 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2008-26 amdt 2.26,\namdt 2.27\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66E by A2008-26 amdt 2.29\nApproval—duration\ns 89 am A2008-26 amdt 2.28\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66F by A2008-26 amdt 2.29\nApproval—renewal\ns 90 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66G by A2008-26 amdt 2.30\n\nApproval—production to police\ns 91 am A2002-12 sch 1\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66H by A2008-26 amdt 2.30\nApproval—lending to another person\ns 92 am A2002-12 sch 1\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66I by A2008-26 amdt 2.30\nApproval—no liability for ancillary offences\ns 93 hdg sub A2004-55 s 6\ns 93 am A1993-1 sch 1; A2004-55 s 7; A2008-26 amdt 2.31\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66J by A2008-26 amdt 2.32\nReturn of approval to chief health officer\ns 94 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66K by A2008-26 amdt 2.33\nSupply of syringes by vending machine\ndiv 7.2 hdg ins A2004-55 s 8\nDefinitions for div 7.2\ns 94A ins A2004-55 s 8\ndef approved person ins A2004-55 s 8\ndef vending machine ins A2004-55 s 8\ndef vending machine approval ins A2004-55 s 8\nApplication for vending machine approval\ns 94B ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66M by A2008-26 amdt 2.34\nFurther information for vending machine approval application\ns 94C ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66N by A2008-26 amdt 2.34\nDecision about vending machine approval application\ns 94D ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66O by A2008-26 amdt 2.34\nVending machine approval—conditions\ns 94E ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66P by A2008-26 amdt 2.34\nVending machine approval—surrender\ns 94F ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66Q by A2008-26 amdt 2.34\n\nVending machine approval—cancellation\ns 94G ins A2004-55 s 8\nam A2008-26 amdt 2.35\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66R by A2008-26 amdt 2.36\nVending machine approval—return on surrender or cancellation\ns 94H ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66S by A2008-26 amdt 2.37\nVending machine approval—no liability for ancillary offences\ns 94I ins A2004-55 s 8\nreloc to Public Health Act 1997 s 66T by A2008-26 amdt 2.37\nRecords, safekeeping and disposal\npt 8 hdg om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\nRecords of drugs of dependence\ndiv 8.1 hdg (prev pt 8 div 1 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 8.1\ns 95 om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef drug register om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef first-aid register om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef licensee om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef order om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef prescribed person sub A1992-61 s 4\nam A2001-48 amdt 1.12; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\ndef ward sub A1992-61 s 4\nam A2001-48 amdt 1.12\ndef ward register om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\nOrders\ns 96 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.39\nPrescriptions and requisitions\ns 97 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.39\nSupply of information to chief health officer\ns 98 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nDrug registers\ns 99 am A2001-44 amdt 1.1205; A2002-12 sch 1\n\nEntries in drug registers\ns 100 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nWard registers\ns 101 sub A1993-45 s 7; A2001-44 amdt 1.1206, amdt 1.1207;\nA2001-48 amdt 1.13, amdt 1.14; A2001-48 s 6; R6 LA (see\nA2001-48 s 7); A2002-12 sch 1\nEntries in ward drugs of dependence registers\ns 102 am A1993-45 s 8; A1997-75 s 6; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16);\nA2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nEntries in ward methadone registers\ns 102A ins A1993-45 s 9; A2001-44 amdt 1.1208\nEntries in ward buprenorphine registers\ns 102B ins A2001-48 s 8\nFirst-aid registers\ns 103 am A1993-1 sch 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.1209; A2002-12 sch 1\nEntries in first-aid registers\ns 104 am A2002-12 sch 1\nRecord of disposal\ns 105 am A2002-12 sch 1\nRegisters—general provisions\ns 106 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\nA1997-75 s 7; A2001-44 amdt 1.1210; A2002-12 sch 1\nFalse entries in registers\ns 107 am A2002-12 sch 1\nPatients records\ns 108 am A1992-61 s 5; A2001-48 amdt 1.15; A2002-12 sch 1\n\nTransfer of control of pharmacies\ns 109 am A2001-44 amdt 1.1211; A2002-12 sch 1\nSafekeeping of drugs of dependence\ndiv 8.2 hdg (prev pt 8 div 2 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 8.2\ns 110 om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef drug cabinet om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef key safe om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef licensee om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef safe om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef strong room om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\ndef vault om A2008-26 amdt 2.39\nSafekeeping by manufacturers and wholesalers\ns 111 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nSafekeeping by chief pharmacists\ns 112 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nSafekeeping by doctors, dentists and veterinary surgeons\ns 113 am A1993-1 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nSafekeeping by other persons\ns 114 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2001-48 amdt 1.16;\nSafekeeping at institutions\ns 115 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nLoss or theft of a drug of dependence\ns 116 am A2002-12 sch 1\nAccess to combinations and keys of drug receptacles\ns 117 am A1997-75 s 8; A2001-48 amdt 1.17; A2002-12 sch 1;\nSafekeeping—general\ns 118 am A1997-75 s 9; A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\n\nInspection–class 1 institutions\ndiv 8.3 hdg (prev pt 8 div 3 hdg) renum R6 LA\nInspection of records and storage facilities\ns 119 am A2002-12 sch 1\nDisposal of drugs of dependence\ndiv 8.4 hdg (prev pt 8 div 4 hdg) renum R6 LA\nProcedure for disposal\ns 120 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA1997-70 sch 1; A1997-75 s 10; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16);\nA2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.40, amdt 3.44; A2006-46\namdt 2.12\nTreatment\npt 9 hdg om A2010-2 s 4\nPreliminary\ndiv 9.1 hdg (prev pt 9 div 1 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for pt 9\ns 121 om A2010-2 s 4\ndef approved treatment centre am A1990-63 sch 1;\nA1993-14 sch 1; A1996-35 sch; A2002-47 amdt 1.6\ndef assessment order om A2010-2 s 4\ndef director ins A2008-26 amdt 2.40\ndef member om A2010-2 s 4\ndef offender om A2010-2 s 4\ndef panel om A2010-2 s 4\ndef proper officer am A1991-44 sch 1\ndef responsible officer am A1994-97 sch 1; A1999-64 sch 2\nsub A2006-23 amdt 1.176\nam A2008-20 amdt 4.36\ndef treatment om A1995-31 s 6\ndef treatment centre am A1990-63 sch 1\nom A1992-62 s 4\ndef treatment order om A2010-2 s 4\n\nDirector\ns 121A (prev s 3A) ins A1994-74 s 5\nam A1996-35 sch\nsub A2002-47 amdt 1.3\nreloc and renum as s 121A A2008-26 amdt 2.22\nAssessment orders and treatment orders\ndiv 9.2 hdg (prev pt 9 div 2 hdg) renum R6 LA\nAssessment orders\ns 122 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1994-74 s 6; A2001-44 amdt 1.1212\nTreatment orders\ns 123 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA1994-74 s 9; A2001-44 amdt 1.1213; A2004-42 amdt 3.41;\nA2006-23 amdt 1.177; ss renum R21 LA (see A2006-23\namdt 1.178)\nOffences—treatment orders\ns 124 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9; A2006-23\namdt 1.179\nFurther offences\ns 125 am A2006-23 amdt 1.180\nApprehension of offender about to leave ACT\ns 126 om A2010-2 s 4\nPower of court if offender about to leave ACT\ns 127 am A2004-42 amdt 3.42\nPower of court if offender apprehended under div 9.2\ns 128 om A2006-23 amdt 1.181\nRevocation and variation of periods of orders\ns 129 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9\nTreatment assessment panels\ndiv 9.3 hdg (prev pt 9 div 3 hdg) renum R6 LA\n\nEstablishment\ns 130 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA1995-46 sch; A1997-96 sch 1\nAppointment of members\ns 131 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nTenure of office\ns 132 om A2010-2 s 4\nPresiding member\ns 133 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nActing appointments\ns 134 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nRemuneration and allowances\ns 135 om A1997-41 sch 1\nResignation\ns 136 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nSuspension\ns 137 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nTermination of appointment\ns 138 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nMeetings of panels\ns 139 om A2010-2 s 4\nGeneral powers of panels\ns 140 om A2010-2 s 4\nReferral for initial assessment\ns 141 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9; A2001-44\namdt 1.1214, amdt 1.1215\nReferral for variation of treatment\ns 142 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9\nReferral for periodic review of treatment\ns 143 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9\n\nReferral for other purposes\ns 144 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9\nAssessment by treatment centres\ns 145 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 9; A2001-44\namdt 1.1216\nAttendance for assessment before panels and at treatment centres\ns 146 am A1994-74 s 9\nTreatment centre reports\ns 147 am A1993-1 sch 1\nApproval of treatment centre\ndiv 9.4 hdg (prev pt 9 div 4 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 9.4\ns 148 om A2010-2 s 4\ndef approval om A2010-2 s 4\ndef approval holder om A2010-2 s 4\nApproval—application\ns 149 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1992-62 s 5; A1993-14 sch 1; A1995-31\ns 7; A2001-44 amdts 1.1217-1.1219; A2001-48 amdt 1.18\nApproval—grant\ns 150 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1992-61 s 6; A1993-14 sch 1; A1995-31\ns 8; A1996-35 sch; A2002-47 amdt 1.7, amdt 1.8\nApproval—conditions\ns 151 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1995-31 s 9; A2001-48\namdt 1.19\nApproval—variation and revocation of conditions\ns 152 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.43\nApproval—surrender\ns 153 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nApproval—cancellation\ns 154 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\n\nApproval—emergency cancellation\ns 155 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nAlternative arrangements on cancellation\ns 156 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1994-74 s 7\nApproval—duration\ns 157 om A2010-2 s 4\nApproval—renewal\ns 158 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1\nReturn of approval to Minister\ns 159 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nInterpretation for pt 10\ns 160 am R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16)\ndef commercial quantity sub A1993-10 s 6\nom A2004-56 amdt 1.10\ndef exempt person am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1;\nA1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 1.2, amdt 3.44; A2006-46\namdt 2.13\ndef manufacturer’s licence om A2008-26 amdt 2.41\ndef premises om A2008-26 amdt 2.41\ndef student midwife ins A2006-46 amdt 2.14\ndef student nurse ins A2006-46 amdt 2.14\ndef trafficable quantity sub A1993-10 s 6\nom A2004-56 amdt 1.10\nManufacture\ns 161 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-56 amdt 1.11, amdt 1.12\nCultivation of 1 or 2 cannabis plants\ns 162 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-48 s 63\nsub A2004-56 amdt 1.13\nam A2019-34 s 5; ss renum R33 LA\nWholesale\ns 163 am A2002-12 sch 1\nom A2004-56 amdt 1.14\n\nSale or supply\ns 164 am A1995-31 s 10; A1996-35 sch; A2001-48 s 9; A2001-48\namdt 1.20; R6 LA (see A2001-48 s 10, amdt 1.21); A2002-12\nsch 1; A2002-47 amdt 1.9; A2004-42 amdt 1.3, amdt 3.44;\nA2004-56 amdt 1.15, amdt 1.16; A2008-26 amdt 2.42\nSale or supply—cannabis\ns 165 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-48 s 64; ss renum R17 LA (see\nA2004-48 s 65)\nom A2004-56 amdt 1.17\nAdvertising drugs or prohibited substances\ns 166 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nFalse representation to obtain prescription\ns 167 hdg sub A2004-56 amdt 1.18\ns 167 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44; am A2004-56\namdt 1.19; ss renum R18 LA (see A2004-56 amdt 1.20)\nFalse representation as to drug or substance\ns 168 am A2002-12 sch 1\nPossessing drugs of dependence\ns 169 hdg sub A2008-26 amdt 2.44\ns 169 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44; A2008-26\namdt 2.45\nsub A2022-20 s 5\nPossession and administration of drugs—exemptions\ns 170 am A1993-45 s 10; A1997-75 s 11; A2001-48 amdt 1.22; R7\nLA (see A2001-98 s 16); A2004-42 amdt 1.4, amdt 3.44;\nA2006-46 amdt 2.15, amdt 2.16\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.46\nPossessing prohibited substances\ns 171 hdg sub A2008-26 amdt 2.47\ns 171 am A1997-75 s 12; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16); A2002-12\nsch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44; A2004-48 s 66; pars renum R17\nLA (see A2004-48 s 67); A2006-46 amdt 2.17; A2008-26\namdt 2.48; A2013-50 s 22; A2019-34\nsub A2019-34 s 6; A2022-20 s 5\nPossessing cannabis\ns 171AA ins A2019-34 s 6\nam A2022-20 s 6, s 7\nCultivation of more than 4 cannabis plants at premises\ns 171AAA ins A2019-34 s 6\n\nCannabis plant cultivation—other offences\ns 171AAB ins A2019-34 s 6\nStorage of cannabis\ns 171AAC ins A2019-34 s 6\nPossessing multiple small quantities of different kinds of relevant\nsubstances\ns 171AAD ins A2022-20 s 8\nOffence notices\ns 171A ins A1992-52 s 3\nam A1994-90 s 4; A2001-48 s 11; A2004-56 amdt 1.21;\nA2008-26 amdt 2.49; A2013-50 s 23; A2019-34 s 7\nsub A2022-20 s 9\nSmoking cannabis in public place or near child\ns 171AB ins A2019-34 s 8\nam A2025-8 amdts 1.1-1.3\nCannabis offences—notification of right to apply for preservation order\ns 171B ins A2001-48 s 12\nam A2004-56 amdts 1.22-1.25\nGuidance material\ns 171BA ins A2019-34 s 9\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.61\nDrug diversion program\ns 171BB ins A2022-20 s 10\nLiability of corporations\ns 172 am A2001-44 amdt 1.1220; A2001-56 amdt 3.251\nom A2004-15 amdt 1.11\nSurrender and revocation of exemptions\ns 173 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2004-42 amdt 3.44;\nA2006-46 amdt 2.18\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.50\nEvidentiary certificate\ns 173A ins A1993-10 s 7\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.50\nPreliminary\ndiv 11.1 hdg (prev pt 11 div 1 hdg) renum R6 LA\nInterpretation for pt 11\ns 174 am A2001-44 amdt 1.1221; A2004-56 amdt 1.26\nInspection\ndiv 11.2 hdg (prev pt 11 div 2 hdg) renum R6 LA\n\nDrug inspectors—appointment\ns 175 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.51\nTreatment centre inspectors—appointment\ns 176 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A2002-12 sch 1\nInspection—manufacturers and wholesalers\ns 177 am A2002-12 sch 1\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.52\nInspection—prescribed premises\ns 178 am A2004-42 amdt 3.44\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.52\nInspection—premises of approved treatment centres\ns 179 am A1995-31 s 11\nProduction of identity card\ns 180 sub A2008-26 amdt 2.53\nFailing to comply with requirement of inspector\ns 181 hdg sub A2004-15 amdt 2.60\ns 181 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2004-15 amdt 2.61; A2008-26\namdt 2.54\nSearch, seizure and analysis\ndiv 11.3 hdg (prev pt 11 div 3 hdg) renum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 11.3\ns 182 def chapter 6 substance ins A2004-56 amdt 1.27\nAnalysts\ns 183 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1; A2004-56 amdt 1.28\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.55\nGovernment analyst\ns 183A ins A1993-7 s 5\nsub A1994-97 sch\nam A1997-127 s 4; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16)\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.55\nAnalysts\ns 183B ins A1993-7 s 5\nom A1994-97 sch\nSearch and seizure\ns 184 am A2004-56 amdt 1.29\n\nSearches of arrested persons\ns 186 am A2004-56 amdt 1.30\nSearch warrants\ns 187 am A2004-56 amdts 1.31-1.38; A2018-40 s 17; A2023-37\namdt 1.10\nElectronic versions of affidavits and warrants\ns 187A hdg sub A2021-24 s 20\ns 187A ins A2020-14 amdt 1.58\nam A2021-1 amdt 1.18; A2021-24 s 21; ss renum R37 LA\nClothing and body searches\ns 189 am A2003-14 amdt 1.55; ss renum R12 LA (see A2003-14\namdt 1.56)\nForfeiture of drugs and substances\ns 190 am Ord1989-38 sch 1; A1990-63 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1;\nA2004-56 amdt 1.39; A2008-26 amdt 2.56, amdt 2.57\nAnalysis\ns 191 am Ord1989-38 sch 1\nAnalysts’ certificates\ns 192 am A1997-96 sch 1\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.58\nNotification by defendants—analyst’s evidence\ns 193 am A2008-26 amdt 2.59\nDisposal of seized substances, compensation and recovery\ndiv 11.4 hdg (prev pt 11 div 4 hdg) ins A1993-7 s 6\nrenum R6 LA\nDefinitions for div 11.4\ns 193A ins A1993-7 s 6\ndef chapter 6 substance ins A2004-56 amdt 1.40\ndef protocol ins A2001-48 s 13\ndef seized cannabis om A2001-48 s 14\ndef seized cannabis plant ins A2001-48 s 13\ndef seized cannabis plants protocol ins A2001-48 s 13\ndef seized cannabis product ins A2001-48 s 13\ndef seized cannabis product protocol ins A2001-48 s 13\ndef seized substance sub A2004-56 amdt 1.41\ndef trafficable quantity om A2001-48 s 14\nProtocols for destruction etc of cannabis\ns 193B ins A1993-7 s 6\nam A2021-12 amdt 3.20; A2025-29 amdt 4.61\n\nDestruction of cannabis without court order\ns 193C ins A1993-7 s 6\nOrder for preservation of cannabis\ns 193D ins A1993-7 s 6\nam A2004-56 amdt 1.42; A2018-33 amdt 1.19\nAmendment and revocation of cannabis preservation\ns 193E ins A1993-7 s 6\nam A2004-56 amdt 1.43\nMaking of orders about preservation of cannabis\ns 193F ins A2001-48 s 15\nam A2004-56 amdt 1.44; A2008-26 amdt 2.60\nDisposal of seized substances other than cannabis on order of magistrate\ns 194 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-7 s 7; A1997-96 sch 1; A2001-48\ns 16, s 17; R6 LA (see A2001-48 s 18); A2004-56 amdt 1.45\nApplications under s 194\ns 194A hdg sub A2001-48 s 19\ns 194A ins A1993-7 s 8\nam A2001-48 s 20; A2008-26 amdt 2.61\nFinal disposal of seized substances\ns 195 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-7 s 9; A2004-56 amdt 1.46;\nA2008-26 amdt 2.62\nCompensation for seizure\ns 196 am Ord1989-38 sch; A1993-7 s 10\nSeized property\ns 197 am A1993-7 s 11; A2004-56 amdt 1.47; A2008-26 amdt 2.63\nNotification and review of decisions\npt 12 hdg sub A2004-55 s 9; A2008-36 amdt 1.258\nMeaning of reviewable decision—pt 12\ns 198 am Ord1989-38 sch 1; A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA1994-60 sch 1; R7 LA (see A2001-98 s 16)\nsub A2004-55 s 9; A2008-36 amdt 1.258\nReviewable decision notices\ns 198A ins A2004-55 s 9\nsub A2008-36 amdt 1.258\n\nApplications for review\ns 199 am A1994-60 sch 1\nsub A2004-55 s 9; A2008-36 amdt 1.258\nPossession by officials\ns 200 am Ord1989-38 sch 1; A1990-63 sch 1;\nsub A1993-14 sch 1\nam A1994-38 sch 1 pt 29\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.64\nSecrecy\ns 201 am A2002-12 sch 1; A2008-26 amdt 2.65; A2010-2 s 7, s 8;\npars renum R27 LA\nAnnual report\ns 202 am Ord1989-38 sch 1; A1990-63 sch 1\nDelegation of powers\ns 203 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1; A1997-70 sch 1\nom A2008-26 amdt 2.66\nDetermination of fees\ns 204 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.222\nam A2021-12 amdt 3.21; A2025-29 amdt 4.61\nApproved forms\ns 205 ins A2001-44 amdt 1.1222\nss (5)-(8) exp 12 September 2002 (s 205 (8))\nom A2021-12 amdt 3.22\nReview of certain amendments related to cannabis\ns 205A ins A2019-34 s 10\nexp 31 January 2025 (s 205A (3))\nReview of certain amendments related to personal use\ns 205B ins A2022-20 s 11\nexp 28 October 2027 (s 205B (5))\nRegulation-making power\ns 206 am Ord1989-38 sch 1\nsub A2001-44 amdt 1.1222\nam A2025-29 amdt 4.61\nTransitional provisions\npt 14 hdg ins A2001-48 s 21\nom R16 LA\nProvisions for Drugs of Dependence Amendment Act 2001\ns 207 ins A2001-48 s 21\nexp 23 October 2004 (s 207 (4))\n\nTransitional provisions about approved forms\ns 208 ins A2001-48 s 21\nexp 23 October 2001 (s 208 (5))\nTransitional provisions about reconciliation amount\ns 209 ins A2001-48 s 21\nexp 24 October 2001 (s 209 (3))\nTransitional—treatment orders\npt 20 hdg ins A2010-2 s 11\nDefinitions—pt 20\ns 300 ins A2010-2 s 11\ndef commencement day ins A2010-2 s 11\nexp 16 August 2012 (s 302 (1) (LA s 88 declaration\napplies))\ndef old provisions ins A2010-2 s 11\nexp 16 August 2012 (s 302 (1) (LA s 88 declaration\napplies))\nTransitional\ns 301 ins A2010-2 s 11\nExpiry—pt 20\ns 302 ins A2010-2 s 11\nsch 1 am A1991-5 s 4\nom A1993-10 s 8\n(prev sch 5) renum R14 LA (see A2004-55 s 11)\nom A2004-56 amdt 1.48\nins A2008-36 amdt 1.259\nom A2010-2 s 9\nsch 2 am A1991-5 s 5\nom A1993-10 s 8\n(prev sch 6) ins A2004-55 s 10\nrenum R14 LA (see A2004-55 s 11)\nam A2008-26 amdt 2.67\nom A2008-36 amdt 1.259\nDrugs of dependence—manufacturing\nsch 3 om A1993-10 s 8\n\nForms\nsch 4 am A1990-63 sch 1; A1993-1 sch 1; A1993-14 sch 1;\nA1993-45 s 11; A1994-74 s 8; A1997-70 sch 1; A1997-75\ns 13\nom A2001-44 amdt 1.1223\nProhibited plants\nsch 5 renum as sch 1\nsch 6 renum as sch 2\ndict ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\nam A2008-36 amdt 1.260; A2019-34 s 11\ndef analyst ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef analyst’s certificate ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef approval ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef approval holder ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef approved treatment centre ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef assessment order ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef cannabis ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\nam A2019-23 s 32\ndef cannabis fibre ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef cannabis food product ins A2019-23 s 33\ndef cannabis plant ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef cannabis resin ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef chapter 6 substance ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef connected ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef director ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef drug dependence ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef drug-dependent person ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef drug of dependence ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef government analyst ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\nam A2025-29 amdt 3.93\ndef hospital ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef member ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef mental condition ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef occupier ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef offence ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef offender ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\n\ndef opioid dependency treatment centre ins A2008-26\namdt 2.68\ndef panel ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef physical condition ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef place ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef prohibited substance ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef proper officer ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef protocol ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef responsible officer ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef reviewable decision ins A2008-36 amdt 1.261\ndef seized cannabis plant ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef seized cannabis plants protocol ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef seized cannabis product ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef seized cannabis product protocol ins A2008-26\namdt 2.68\ndef seized substance ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef sell ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef small quantity ins A2022-20 s 12\ndef supply ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef treatment ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef treatment centre ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef treatment centre inspector ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\ndef treatment order ins A2008-26 amdt 2.68\n\nEarlier republications 5\n5 Earlier republications\nSome earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to\nthe publication order.\nSince 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in\nelectronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised\nrepublications have also been published in printed format. These republications are\nmarked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an\nauthorised republication are identical.\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n1 A1993-14 31 July 1993\n2 A1994-97 31 January 1995\n3 A1994-97 30 June 1995\n4 A1996-35 30 November 1996\n5 A1997-127 31 January 1999\n6 A2001-56 23 October 2001\n7* A2001-98 21 December 2001\n8 A2002-12 24 May 2002\n9 A2002-12 25 May 2002\n10 A2002-12 13 September 2002\n11 A2002-47 31 December 2002\n11 (RI) A2002-49 ‡ 10 February 2003\n12 A2003-14 28 March 2003\n13 A2004-15 9 April 2004\n14 A2004-55 12 August 2004\n15 A2004-55 25 August 2004\n16 A2004-56 24 October 2004\n17 A2004-56 16 February 2005\n18* A2005-5 6 March 2005\n19 A2005-5 7 July 2005\n20 A2005-28 17 January 2006\n21 A2006-23 2 June 2006\n\n5 Earlier republications\nRepublication No Amendments to Republication date\n22 A2006-23 16 June 2006\n23 A2006-46 18 November 2006\n24 A2006-46 9 January 2007\n25 A2008-36 14 February 2009\n26 A2008-36 27 February 2009\n27 A2010-2 16 August 2010\n28 A2010-2 17 August 2012\n29 A2013-50 10 December 2013\n30 A2018-33 23 October 2018\n31 A2018-40 8 November 2018\n32 A2019-23 15 August 2019\n33 A2019-34 31 January 2020\n34 A2020-14 14 May 2020\n35 A2021-1 20 February 2021\n36 A2021-12 23 June 2021\n37 A2021-24 14 October 2021\n38 A2023-37 30 September 2023\n39 A2023-37 28 October 2023\n40 A2023-37 1 February 2025\n41 A2025-8 18 April 2025\n‡ includes retrospective amendments by A2002-49\n\nExpired transitional or validating provisions 6\n6 Expired transitional or validating provisions\nThis Act may be affected by transitional or validating provisions that have expired.\nThe expiry does not affect any continuing operation of the provisions (see\nLegislation Act 2001, s 88 (1)).\nExpired provisions are removed from the republished law when the expiry takes\neffect and are listed in the amendment history using the abbreviation ‘exp’ followed\nby the date of the expiry.\nTo find the expired provisions see the version of this Act before the expiry took\neffect. The ACT legislation register has point-in-time versions of this Act.","sortOrder":41}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"completionTokens":902},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has expanded significantly from its original 1989 focus on controlling dangerous drugs and treating drug-dependent persons. Major amendments in 2019 (personal cannabis use) and 2022 transformed it into a hybrid regime that partially decriminalises adult cannabis use while maintaining criminal penalties for commercial activity. The 2008 amendments removed extensive manufacturing, wholesale, and prescription control provisions (relocated to the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008), then 2019-2022 amendments added a complex parallel structure of cannabis-specific offences, diversion programs, and preservation order mechanisms. The original treatment centre and opioid maintenance provisions were repealed in 2010. The Act's scope has shifted from comprehensive drug control to targeted criminal enforcement plus regulated personal cannabis exceptions."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping offence structures with tiered penalties based on quantity thresholds ('small quantity' vs larger amounts)","Extensive cross-referencing to other ACT laws (Criminal Code, Medicines Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act, Public Health Act, Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act, Smoke-Free Public Places Act)","Conditional exemptions and defences with reversed burdens of proof (defendant must prove they are authorised or took reasonable steps)","Detailed procedural rules for cannabis preservation orders, destruction protocols, and 24-hour application windows","Significant legislative history with major restructuring in 2008 and 2019-2022 amendments creating parallel cannabis-specific offences","Strict liability elements combined with evidential and legal burden distinctions (Criminal Code sections 58-59)","Multiple defined terms with nested definitions (e.g., 'cannabis food product' with THC/CBD thresholds, 'low THC cannabis sativa', 'total THC')","Emergency search powers with subjective 'seriousness and urgency' thresholds","Expired and transitional provisions still referenced in endnotes creating interpretive noise"],"plain_english_summary":"This ACT law regulates drugs that can cause dependence (addiction) and prohibited substances. It has two main purposes: **controlling dangerous drugs** and **allowing limited personal cannabis use**.\n\n**What it covers:**\n\n- **Drugs of dependence** — prescription medicines like opioids, stimulants, and sedatives that have high abuse potential\n- **Prohibited substances** — other dangerous drugs banned by regulation\n- **Cannabis** — treated separately with specific rules for personal use\n\n**Key rules for ordinary people:**\n\n- **Adults 18+ can possess small amounts of cannabis** (1 penalty unit fine if under 18)\n- **Adults 18+ can grow 1–2 cannabis plants at home** (also 1 penalty unit fine if under 18)\n- **Growing more than 4 plants, growing away from home, or growing in public areas** — serious offence (up to 2 years prison)\n- **Harvested cannabis must be stored out of reach of children**\n- **Smoking cannabis in public or near children** — offence (30 penalty units)\n- **Selling or supplying any drug of dependence or prohibited substance** — serious crime (up to 5 years prison)\n- **Possessing small quantities without authority** — minor offence (1 penalty unit); larger quantities — more serious (6 months prison possible)\n\n**Police powers:**\n\nPolice can search people and premises with consent, after arrest, with a warrant, or in emergencies. They can seize drugs and related items. Special rules apply for preserving cannabis evidence if someone applies to court within 24 hours.\n\n**Simple drug offences:**\n\nFor minor possession (small quantities), police can issue an **offence notice** — pay a fine or attend a drug diversion program within 60 days, and no conviction is recorded.\n\n**Who's exempt:**\n\nDoctors, pharmacists, and others authorised under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 can possess and supply these substances lawfully.\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis law tries to balance **public health and harm reduction** (treating drug use as partly a health issue) with **criminal enforcement** for commercial dealing and dangerous behaviour. The ACT was the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise small-scale personal cannabis possession and cultivation for adults."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act’s scope has evolved from a general drugs‑of‑dependence statute to include specific, modernised provisions for personal cannabis use, diversion and evidence management. Notable scope changes reflected in the current text include: an adult exemption for cultivating 1–2 cannabis plants in the ACT (s 162(2)); separate possession and cultivation offences and thresholds for cannabis (ss 171AA, 171AAA, 171AAB, 171AAC); an offence‑notice/diversion scheme for simple drug offences (s 171A) and a statutory power for the Minister to approve diversion programs (s 171BB); formalised protocols and a 24‑hour preservation regime for seized cannabis allowing destruction without a court order subject to protocol and preservation applications (ss 193B–193C, 193D); and an independent review requirement of personal‑use related amendments (s 205B). These additions and amendments change the Act’s operational scope by (a) creating narrowly framed personal‑use exceptions for cannabis, (b) adding administrative disposal and diversion mechanics that can substitute for prosecution, and (c) concentrating procedural authority for evidence handling in named officials and protocols (see ss cited)."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑references to other statutes (Criminal Code, Medicines/Poisons Acts, Public Health Act) that affect scope and defences (see s 4 note, s 164(4)–(5), dictionary entries).","Multiple offence tiers with different penalties and special age‑based rules (ss 162, 169, 171, 171AA, 171AAD).","Detailed procedural regimes for search, seizure, warrants and emergency powers with evidentiary safeguards (ss 184–189, 187A).","Evidence handling and forensic pipeline governed by analyst protocols, sample preservation rules and tight timelines for preservation applications (ss 191, 193B–193F, 171B).","Administrative discretion concentrated in several offices (government analyst, chief health officer, DPP, Minister) with interplay of approvals, disallowable instruments and ministerial determinations (ss 193B(2), 193B(3), 171BB, 204).","Out‑of‑court resolution mechanics (offence notices, diversion programs) that interact with forfeiture and evidentiary disposal (s 171A).","Regulation dependence: many key concepts (eg small quantity, drug lists, protocols) are defined or set by regulation, adding layered rulemaking (dictionary, s 206).","Historic and recent amendments that have added distinct cannabis‑related provisions and review obligations, increasing statutory complexity (see amendment notes and ss 171AA, 171AAA, 171BA, 205B)."],"plain_english_summary":"What this law does, mechanically\n\n- Sets criminal offences, penalties and enforcement powers about drugs, including cannabis. It: creates tiers of possession offences (small quantity vs larger amounts), makes sale/supply (and possession for sale/supply) an offence, and sets specific cannabis offences for possession, cultivation, storage and public smoking (see ss 162, 164, 169, 171, 171AA, 171AAA, 171AAC, 171AB).  \n\n- Creates an out‑of‑court offence notice scheme for simple drug offences: police may issue an offence notice offering payment of a prescribed penalty or attendance at an approved drug diversion program instead of prosecution (see s 171A).  \n\n- Gives police detailed search and seizure powers (consent searches, searches on arrest, warrants, emergency searches) and sets procedural safeguards (consent acknowledgements, same‑sex searches, electronic affidavits for warrants) (see ss 184–189, 187A).  \n\n- Establishes handling, analysis, destruction and preservation rules for seized drugs, with special, approved protocols for seized cannabis and an option for the government analyst to destroy seized cannabis without a court order after minimum hold periods and sample preservation (see ss 190, 191, 193B–193C, 193D–193F, 194–195).  \n\n- Allocates decision‑making roles to specific officials and bodies: police (investigation, seizure, serving offence notices), the government analyst (analysis, protocol determinations, destruction) subject to approval by the chief health officer and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) (see ss 191, 193B(2), 193C), the DPP (applications for disposal and notifications) (see s 194), the Magistrates Court (preservation orders, amendments and revocations) (see ss 193D–193F), and the Minister (approving diversion programs and publishing guidance material; determining fees) (see ss 171BB, 171BA, 204).  \n\nWho is affected\n\n- Individuals in the ACT who possess, cultivate, use, sell or supply drugs of dependence, prohibited substances or cannabis (see ss 162, 164, 169, 171, 171AA).  \n- People under 18: the Act treats minors differently in some provisions (for example, different relevant substance definitions and parental notice obligations when an offence notice is served on a child) (see s 171A(2), definitions in s 171AAD and s 171A(2)).  \n- Health and pharmaceutical businesses: selling or supplying a drug or prohibited substance remains an offence unless authorised under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008 or another territory law (see s 164(4)–(5)).  \n- Police, government analysts, the chief health officer, the DPP and the Magistrates Court have operational responsibilities and discretion under the Act (see ss 184–195, 193B, 193C, 193D, 193E).  \n\nWhy it matters — stated purpose and practical tradeoffs\n\n- The Act’s long title states its purpose as prohibiting sale, supply and possession of drugs of dependence and prohibited substances. Amendments (for example, dealing with personal cannabis use and diversion) add procedures intended to manage low‑level offences and evidence handling (see long title and ss 171A, 171AA, 171BB, 193B–193D).  \n\nTesting those purpose claims against concrete mechanisms in the Act: costs, incentives, tradeoffs and risks\n\n- Cost and incentive structure: the offence notice scheme (s 171A) creates a low‑cost resolution path for simple offences (payment or a single diversion session). That reduces prosecution resource use but simultaneously causes forfeiture of seized items to the Territory on compliance (s 171A(6)). The State bears compensation risk where seized items have been destroyed and no offence is proved (s 196).  \n\n- Compliance burden on regulated sellers: s 164 bans sale/supply except where authorised; authorised commercial actors must comply with medicines/poisons regulation in another statute (s 164(4)–(5)), which concentrates the legal market for legitimate supply in regulated channels. Fees and approvals are determined by the Minister (s 204), creating administrative compliance costs for businesses and program operators.  \n\n- Bureaucratic discretion and concentrated decision points: the government analyst has power to determine destruction/preservation protocols for seized cannabis (s 193B) and to destroy cannabis without a court order subject to the protocols and minimum holding periods (s 193C). Those powers are subject to written approval by the chief health officer and the DPP (s 193B(2)), but the protocol system concentrates important evidence‑management choices in a small number of officials. The DPP can apply to a magistrate to dispose of seized non‑cannabis substances (s 194).  \n\n- Effects on private choice and substitution: the Act treats multiple small quantities of different substances cumulatively (s 171AAD). That aggregation can increase legal risk for people who possess small amounts of multiple drugs, and may create incentives to limit variety or to concentrate on single substances.  \n\n- Opportunity costs and implementation risk: reliance on protocols and analyst capacity creates operational risks — e.g. destruction of seized cannabis after 24 hours unless someone applies for preservation (s 193C(5), s 171B). Defendants or potential defendants must act quickly to preserve evidence (notice and a 24‑hour window under s 171B), which could affect defence strategy and the conduct of prosecutions.  \n\n- Risk of regulatory capture or rent concentration (mechanism, not allegation): the Act vests powers in officials to approve diversion programs, set fees and determine destruction protocols (ss 171BB, 204, 193B). Those concentrated authorities create identifiable points where policy choices and administrative design materially affect outcomes for particular regulated actors.  \n\nKey compliance and procedural points to note (mechanical citations)\n\n- Adult personal cultivation exception for 1–2 plants: s 162(2) exempts persons 18 or older cultivating 1 or 2 cannabis plants in the ACT from s 162(1).  \n- Possession tiers: small quantity = 1 penalty unit (ss 169(1), 171(1), 171AA(1)); larger quantities carry higher fines and possible imprisonment (ss 169(2), 171(2), 171AA(2)). Small quantities are prescribed by regulation (dictionary entry).  \n- Offence notices and diversion: police may substitute an offence notice for prosecution for simple drug offences; payment or attendance at an approved diversion program discharges liability and forfeits seized items (s 171A). Approved diversion programs are established by the Minister (s 171BB).  \n- Seizure, analysis and disposal: seized substances can be forfeited (s 190), analysed (s 191), and destroyed under protocols (ss 193B–193C). For seized cannabis, the analyst must preserve samples before destruction and must not destroy within 24 hours if a preservation application is pending (ss 193B–193C, 193D(3)–(6)).  \n- Remedies where no offence proved: Territory to pay compensation equal to value of substance if it was disposed of and no offence proved (s 196).  \n\nBottom line in one sentence\n\nThe Act creates a detailed criminal and administrative framework for policing, prosecuting (and diverting), handling and disposing of controlled drugs and cannabis in the ACT, with specific thresholds, procedural safeguards and administrative authorities that shift costs and decision points to police, forensic analysts, health officials, the DPP and magistrates (see ss 162, 164, 169, 171A, 171AA, 171B, 193B–193F, 194–196)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989","history":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989/history","analysis":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/drugs-of-dependence-act-1989/documents"}}