High Awareness, Low Clarity: Knowledge of the Australian Capital Territory's Multi-Drug Decriminalisation Reform Among People Who Use Illicit Drugs

Abstract

Introduction

In October 2023, the Australian Capital Territory became the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise possession of small quantities of multiple illicit drugs by law, introducing an alternative, legislated pathway enabling police to divert individuals to a health education and information session or issue a $100 expiation fine. This study examined awareness and understanding of this reform among two populations of people who regularly use illicit drugs in Canberra.

Methods

Cross-sectional samples of people who regularly use illicit stimulants (n = 200; Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System, EDRS) or inject drugs (n = 201; Illicit Drug Reporting System, IDRS) were recruited between April–June 2023 (pre-legislation) and 2024 (post-legislation). Chi-square analyses assessed differences between years.

Results

Self-reported awareness of the new legislation increased significantly between 2023 and 2024—from 49% to 81% among EDRS participants (p < 0.001) and from 33% to 72% among IDRS participants (p < 0.001). In both years, most participants aware of the legislation correctly recognised that it applied only to possession (EDRS: 94%–95%; IDRS: 78%–91%), not sale or supply. Many understood that police responses for small quantity possession offences had changed (EDRS: 76%, respectively: IDRS: 56%–66%); however, misconceptions persisted, with notable proportions believing police would ‘do nothing’, and/or that it was ‘entirely legal’ to possess drugs other than cannabis.

Discussion and Conclusions

Awareness of the Australian Capital Territory's multi-drug decriminalisation reform increased among two populations of people who regularly use illicit drugs, but understanding of the details remained mixed. Many participants appeared to confuse legalisation and decriminalisation and misperceived police and judicial responses.