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While traditional pharmaceutical prescriptions are expensive as well as sometimes creating debilitating side effects, the fear of breaking marijuana laws prevent many around the world from accessing this natural herb for treatment.
However, according to the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, the progressive stance of a large majority of Australians is evident in their support of the legalisation of cannabis for recreational and therapeutic uses. The efforts of cannabis advocates in Australia paid off.
According to Andrew Barr, chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the latest cannabis laws that were passed represent an evolution in the approach of the jurisdiction to drug reform. This article summarises the CBD and cannabis laws in relation to current options for the access, management, possession, and consumption of marijuana in Australia.
Legalised personal use of cannabis
In September 2019, ACT became the country's first jurisdiction to pass legislation legalising the personal use of weed. This cannabis law took effect on January 31, 2020.
Keeping abreast of the latest updates on regulations related to cannabis consumption and possession in Australia is highly recommended for everyone using cannabis. Meanwhile, here's a review of the key facts about this cannabis law.
Online purchases and consumer law
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), all consumer rights apply whenever a customer shops with an Australian online business. At the same time, consumer rights apply whenever you buy from overseas online businesses. However, repairs, replacements, or refunds can be difficult if those businesses aren't based in Australia.
Online businesses that sell goods and offer services must not mislead consumers or hide costs and other important details of products and services. The vendor should compete fairly and provide consumers a wide array of choices in terms of price and quality.
When an online business is based in Australia, the business owner should ensure that products and services offered do meet Australian safety regulations. Here are some tips to exercise your consumer rights under Australia's consumer laws:
CBD and hemp products: PI regulations
Because of the recent Food Standard changes, some hemp seed products are allowed for human consumption. However, remember that extracts from the other parts of the hemp plant, including dried cannabis, are considered a drug over the allowed amount for use.
The Department of Health of the Australian government has amended controls to support these changes under the Customs Prohibited Imports or PI Regulations 1956.
This PI regulation allows specific hemp fiber and hemp seed products to be imported without a permit and license. Imported hemp products shouldn't exceed the cannabinoid thresholds.
If you're found to be importing weed-based products, the Australian Border Force tests hemp products and shipments to check if you should face legal charges or not. In addition, CBDAssist.com.au provides information about CBD oil and how to access medical cannabis in Australia. For instance, under the current PI Regulations, these are the substances that one can import without permission:
Product safety
The Australian Consumer Law dictates that all businesses operating in the country must meet mandatory safety standards. Consumer products should fit their intended purpose. One way to determine product safety is to test them if they meet industry standards. A product that fails any product test will be removed from the market.
For instance, electrical appliances should be designed so as not to cause electric shock, physical injury, fire damage, or death during normal use. Fair Trading laws govern the pre-sale certification of electrical appliances. At the same time, gas appliances must first be certified and tested to make sure that they comply with mandatory safety standards.
ACL requires businesses to meet safety standards before selling goods, including:
The ACCC Product Safety Guide is designed to help Australian businesses to:
Most suppliers voluntarily recall their products after realising or discovering that their products present a safety risk. The NSW Fair Trading Retail Trading Act 2008 and other regulations handle voluntary product recalls.
You can report unsafe products by lodging your complaint on the Product Safety Australia website that is managed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Takeaways
To ensure proper regulation and public health and safety, different laws were formulated to govern products in Australia including the Consumer Law for online purchases, the latest cannabis law that permits personal use of cannabis, product safety regulations, and the PI regulations governing hemp products. Now more than ever, Australian consumers have more options when it comes to alternative treatment to signs and symptoms of various ailments.
This is sponsored content for CBD Assist.