Legalise Cannabis WA (LCWA) has failed in a bid to force the state’s Labor government to re-adopt its old policy on cannabis possession.
Former Labor Premier Geoff Gallop passed legislation to decriminalise possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use in 2004, but the law was repealed by the Liberals under Colin Barnett in 2011.
LCWA leader Dr Brian Walker put forward a motion to return Labor to its previous position, whereby people could legally grow two plants and possess around 20 grams of cannabis without penalty.
However, a majority in the Upper House reworded the motion to reaffirm criminal penalties for personal possession, despite many members having supported decriminalisation under Gallop.
A government spokeswoman told the Augusta-Margaret River Times it had no plans to legalise recreational cannabis.
“The McGowan Government remains committed to ensuring there is access to medicinal cannabis for people with medical needs,” she added.
