Possession
Unlawful
Caution may be available
Legal guide · Australian edition
Cannabis laws in New South Wales
Cannabis possession and cultivation remain offences in New South Wales. A formal cautioning scheme can provide an alternative response for some eligible minor possession matters.
Home cultivation
Criminal offence
Not covered by possession cautions
Caution
Eligibility based
Not an automatic entitlement
Medicinal access
Prescription pathway
Separate regulated access
The cautioning scheme
Police may use the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme for eligible adults and minor personal-use possession. Admission, quantity, criminal history and police assessment can affect eligibility.
Cultivation remains separate
A possession caution does not authorise germination or home cultivation. Cultivation, supply and trafficking are separate offences.
Get current, local advice
NSW penalties and thresholds depend on the charge and circumstances. Use current legislation or LawAccess NSW for a situation-specific starting point.
Other states and territories
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