Victorian Greens push for cannabis to be legalised, taxed similarly to alcohol

Penalties for selling cannabis to people under 18 would also be introduced, set at double the penalty for selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

Read said regulating the sale and consumption of cannabis would undercut the black market and reduce harm.

About $10m would be spent to set up a government agency to oversee and regulate the production, sale, and price of cannabis, while five years of education, prevention and awareness activities are included in the costings.

Under the second component of the plan, the possession of small quantities of illicit drugs would also be decriminalised from 2023.

Instead of facing court, those found in possession of small quantities of drugs would face a body that would determine sanctions such as small fines or rehabilitation.

Read said the revenue raised from the proposed tax should be invested in drug and alcohol detox and treatment services.

About 40% of respondents said it would make them more likely to vote for a party or candidate, while 22% of people said it would make them less likely.

Richmond is currently held by retiring MP and former housing minister Richard Wynne on a 5.8% margin.