Premier provides update on Cannabis Decriminalisation and Lottery Referendum

Premier provides update on Cannabis Decriminalisation and Lottery Referendum

Having nearly completed its review into cannabis decriminalisation and establishing a national lottery, the Law Reform Commission will next develop a public consultation paper.

The consultation is expected to commence in mid-2026; and subject to consultation outcomes and resourcing, the final report is expected in Q4 2026, said the Premier, the Hon. André Ebanks MP.

He noted that the Commission’s established law reform process involves research and analysis; publication of a discussion paper; public consultation; and a final report with recommendations. Where appropriate, the final report may include draft legislative amendments.

“In June 2025, shortly after the General Election, the NCFC Government asked the Law Reform Commission to provide its learned recommendations and guidance on these two matters; and I’m pleased to have received subsequent updates from the Law Reform Commission chair as to its members’ work,” the Premier said.

Regarding decriminalisation of possessing and consuming small amounts of cannabis, the Commission’s initial work has focused on confirming the scope of the review, identifying relevant stakeholders, and preparing a comparative analysis of different regulatory approaches.

Following this, the Commission has advised that:

a discussion paper is expected to be developed in early to mid-2026;

public consultation is anticipated in mid-2026; and

a final report is expected to be completed later in 2026, subject to consultation outcomes and resourcing.

For the National Lottery, the Commission is reviewing options, including possible regulatory models, governance arrangements, safeguards and public-interest protections. This involves research into legislative and oversight models, market and economic considerations, harm-minimisation measures and integrity and enforcement frameworks.

The Commission has indicated that:

research and preparation of a discussion paper will continue through mid-2026;

public consultation is expected to occur in the middle of 2026; and

a final report and recommendations are anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.

Government referred both matters to the Law Reform Commission following the 30 April 2025 National Referendum, in which 55.64% of voters supported the decriminalisation of the consumption and possession of small amounts of cannabis; and 51.24% supported introducing a national lottery.

The Premier acknowledged the Commission’s previous successful reviews, including its foundational work on the now-published Registered Land (Amendment) Bill 2026.

“Independent review processes are essential in ensuring that future policy decisions are informed by evidence, expert analysis and public input,” he said. “The Law Reform Commission consults widely in performing its detailed work, and this Government will consider its recommendations once that process is complete.”

The anticipated end date for the submission of the report on the decriminalisation of cannabis is October 2026 and January 2027 for the national lottery.

Further updates will be provided as the Law Reform Commission reaches key milestones, including the release of discussion papers and the opening of public consultation periods.