Synthetic drugs illegal in WA

• All synthetic cannabinoids are already prohibited in Western Australia

• Stiff penalties apply for the possession, sale and supply of synthetic drugs

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton today reinforced the message that synthetic cannabinoids are illegal in Western Australia.

Speaking at the Western Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Symposium, the Minister said that provisions in the WA Poisons Act meant that it was against the law to supply, sell, manufacture or possess these substances in the State.

"Let us be clear. All synthetic cannabinoids, along with a number of other synthetic substances, are already prohibited in Western Australia," Mrs Morton said.

"There are stiff penalties for possession and supply of synthetic drugs under the Misuse of Drug laws, just as there are for cannabis, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

"These include up to $2,000, or two years, for simple possession, and up to $100,000 and/or 25 years for the sale, supply or possession with intent to supply these substances. Penalties for selling, supplying or offering these drugs to a child are even greater."

To further assist with the policing of these prohibitions, the State Government lists specific synthetic substances as they come to the attention of health and police.

"The State Government will shortly be adding 33 more substances to the list of banned substances, making it absolutely clear to the public that they are illegal, and further assisting with the enforcement of the law," the Minister said.

WA continues to be one of the most proactive jurisdictions when it comes to addressing this issue, however consideration is being given to what new laws and other initiatives might be added to strengthen the Government's response.

       Fact File

• In 2012, eight groups of synthetic cannabinoids were banned nationally through their listing in Schedule 9 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP), making it illegal to supply, sell, manufacture and possess these substances

• An extra group entry was also included for all synthetic cannabinomimetics, substances which mimic cannabis-like substances, to make it explicitly clear that all synthetic cannabinoids were to be considered illegal

• The WA Poisons Act adopts the listings in SUSMP by reference, making it also illegal to supply, sell, manufacture and possess these substances in Western Australia

Minister's office - 6552 6900