Public opinion on cannabis legalisation in Australia has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with surveys showing a strong majority of Australians in favour of reform. What was once a niche advocacy issue is now a mainstream policy discussion, supported by both the growing normalisation of medical cannabis and the visible success of legalisation models overseas. The conversation has shifted from whether cannabis should be legalised to how regulation should be implemented, with economic, social, and health considerations all playing a role in shaping this momentum.
Overall Support Trends in 2025
In 2025, nationwide surveys reveal that 68% of Australians support legalising cannabis for adult recreational use, while more than 85% back the continued and expanded availability of medical cannabis. This marks a sharp rise from support levels just a few years ago, reflecting a combination of greater public education, shifting social norms, and positive case studies from other countries. With legalisation efforts around the world demonstrating regulated markets can function without the chaos predicted by critics, Australians are increasingly confident that change is both feasible and beneficial.
Age-Based Support Differences
Younger Australians continue to lead the push for cannabis legalisation, with around 80% of those aged 18–34 expressing support. This demographic has grown up in a more open environment toward cannabis, viewing it as less harmful than alcohol and aligned with modern harm-reduction approaches. However, support among older Australians is rising sharply, with 57% of those aged 55 and over now in favour of legalisation — a notable increase driven by exposure to medical cannabis treatments for chronic pain, arthritis, and other age-related health conditions.
Geographic Variations in Support
Urban Australians, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT, show the strongest support for legalisation, with the ACT leading at over 75% approval thanks to its existing allowances for limited home cultivation and personal possession. Rural and regional areas have historically been more cautious, but support there has climbed to around 60%, driven in part by the economic potential of cannabis cultivation and the success of industrial hemp in regional economies. The gradual spread of medical cannabis clinics to non-metropolitan areas has also helped familiarise rural populations with its regulated use.
Political Affiliation and Policy Implications
Political affiliation still plays a role in shaping cannabis attitudes, but the partisan gap is narrowing. Progressive and centrist voters are the most supportive, with approval rates above 75%, while conservative voter support has climbed from 30% in 2020 to nearly 50% in 2025. This shift suggests that legalisation is no longer strictly a left-leaning policy, but one with growing bipartisan appeal. As a result, state governments may feel more confident in trialling regulated markets, potentially setting the stage for broader federal reforms in the coming years.
Drivers Behind Rising Support
Several factors are fuelling the increase in public approval, including growing recognition of cannabis’ medical benefits, a desire to replace criminal penalties with harm-reduction policies, and the economic opportunities presented by a legal market. The potential for billions in tax revenue, new jobs, and reduced law enforcement costs is appealing to both the public and policymakers. Additionally, the global shift toward legalisation has reinforced the idea that prohibition is outdated and out of step with modern social and economic priorities.
Outlook for Cannabis Legalisation in Australia
With public support at record highs and momentum building at the state level, Australia appears to be on a gradual path toward broader legalisation. While federal reform may still take time, more states and territories are expected to adopt measures similar to the ACT’s, allowing personal use and home cultivation within regulated frameworks. If these local models prove successful, they could accelerate the push toward a nationwide system, positioning Australia as both a domestic reform leader and a potential global cannabis exporter.
Leave a Reply