Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts

DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE (PERSONAL USE) AMENDMENT ACT 2022 (NO. 20 OF 2022) - SECT 5

substitute

169     Possessing drugs of dependence

    (1)     A person commits an offence if—

        (a)     the person possesses a drug of dependence; and

        (b)     the quantity of the drug is not more than a small quantity for the drug.

Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.

    (2)     A person commits an offence if—

        (a)     the person possesses a drug of dependence; and

        (b)     either—

              (i)     the quantity of the drug is more than a small quantity for the drug; or

              (ii)     no small quantity is prescribed for the drug.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

    (3)     This section does not apply if the person is authorised under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008

, or another territory law, to possess the drug of dependence.

171     Possessing prohibited substances

    (1)     A person commits an offence if—

        (a)     the person possesses a prohibited substance; and

        (b)     the quantity of the substance is not more than a small quantity for the substance.

Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.

    (2)     A person commits an offence if—

        (a)     the person possesses a prohibited substance; and

        (b)     either—

              (i)     the quantity of the substance is more than a small quantity for the substance; or

              (ii)     no small quantity is prescribed for the substance.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

    (3)     This section does not apply if the person is authorised under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008

, or another territory law, to possess the prohibited substance.

    (4)     In this section:

"prohibited substance" does not include cannabis.