Why it matters: A new study by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) in Australia has revealed that aboriginal individuals caught using cannabis by police are treated differently than non-aboriginal offenders.
What they are saying: Only 11.7% of aboriginal cannabis offenders received “cautions” from police, compared with 43.9% of non-aboriginal offenders, which indicates that aboriginal individuals are processed through the formal justice system more frequently. The Cannabis Cautioning Scheme in the state, which offers a diversionary pathway, found that only 39.5 percent of aboriginal offenders eligible for a caution were issued one.
The big picture: Cannabis is illegal in Australia, but there is a burgeoning political effort to legalize it in the country. The legalization could bring a significant windfall, with a study suggesting that it could generate $243.5 million annually in the first five years in Western Australia.
What to watch: With a new study from BOCSAR revealing that aboriginal individuals are processed through the formal justice system frequently, Australia might take steps to address the issue of racism. With a political effort to legalize cannabis, we might see some changes to drug laws in Australia, which could further impact aboriginal communities.
My take: It’s disappointing to see that aboriginal individuals are treated differently when caught using cannabis by police. Australia should address the issue of racism in their justice system and take steps to ensure that all individuals are treated equally. Legalizing cannabis in the country could lead to a lot of revenue, but it needs to be done in a way that promotes equality and social justice.
