As cannabis reform spreads globally, two countries stand at a legislative crossroads – Australia and the United Kingdom. With Canada and parts of the U.S. already embracing legal cannabis, public and political pressure is mounting. But which nation will take the next bold step?
Let’s break down the current status, political climate, and public sentiment in each country—and find out who’s most likely to legalise cannabis next.
Australia
Australia’s cannabis laws vary state by state, but the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is leading the way. Lets dive into how the politicians are getting stoned.
In January 2020, the ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to legalise:
- Possession of up to 50g of dried cannabis
- Cultivation of up to two plants per adult (maximum of four per household)
- Personal use in private spaces
Unlike full legalisation, the ACT’s model doesn’t allow for legal sales. It’s decriminalisation, not commercialisation.
Despite concerns, a 2024 review found no significant increase in cannabis use since legalisation. In fact, Canberra’s usage remains lower than the national average.
“There’s a thriving community of small-scale cultivators who grow mild, modest strains to avoid criminal markets,” said Professor Iain McGregor in a February 2025 interview.
Public Search Trends Reflect Growing Interest
Canberra-based SEO specialist Aidan Coleman says online interest in cannabis is steadily climbing:
“I can see growing searches for cannabis, particularly in Canberra, as legislation is not yet clear.”
This aligns with recent spikes in traffic for search terms like “ACT cannabis laws” and “Can I grow weed in Canberra?”, reflecting public curiosity as decriminalisation becomes more mainstream.
United Kingdom: Momentum Meets Resistance
In the UK, cannabis remains a Class B drug, with possession punishable by up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine. However, enforcement varies—many police forces issue warnings or fines rather than pursue full prosecutions.
In 2025, the London Drugs Commission, backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, released a report recommending that cannabis be reclassified and decriminalised for personal use. The suggestion: handle cannabis like other psychoactive substances—not as a criminal offense.
Read more about the London Drugs Commission’s recommendation here.
The push for reform has strong public backing. According to YouGov polling, nearly 45% of UK adults support legalisation, with growing support among younger voters.
Political Hesitation at the National Level
Despite city-level momentum, the national government has remained firm. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Home Office have rejected calls to reclassify cannabis, keeping it under strict control.
There is, however, a strong economic argument in favour of change. Think tanks estimate that legalisation could generate £1.5 billion annually, create 15,000 jobs, and significantly reduce law enforcement costs.
Social justice advocates have also pointed out that current laws disproportionately target Black and minority communities—a point emphasised by several Guardian opinion pieces.
International Context
Countries like Germany, Luxembourg, and Malta have already taken major steps toward legalisation, offering real-world case studies. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s 2020 referendum narrowly rejected legalisation, showing how polarising the topic remains—even in progressive democracies.
Australia vs UK: Who’s Likely to Legalise First?
| Factor | Australia (ACT) | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Decriminalised in ACT, illegal elsewhere | Illegal, with selective enforcement |
| Public support | Moderate and growing | ~45% support legalisation |
| Political appetite | ACT open to reform, national gov hesitant | London supportive, national gov opposed |
| Commercial model? | No – personal use only | Not yet, but pressure building |
| Next realistic step | Expand ACT policy to other states | Nationwide decriminalisation in urban areas |
Final Verdict
Canberra has already taken the lead with decriminalisation and home cultivation. But without a commercial sales framework, it falls short of full legalisation.
The UK, meanwhile, is building momentum through local government initiatives and growing public demand, but progress is stalled at the national level.