In developing its recommendations, the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission believes that the law in relation to cannabis must be based on a realistic assessment of the harms caused by the drug, should be consistent with established legal principles, must conform with Australia's international legal obligations, must have a basic level of public support, and must be practical. This report summarizes available evidence relating to the extent of cannabis use in Queensland and the short-term, public safety, and health effects of cannabis use. The report describes current law and practice in Queensland, noting that, in contrast to other Australian jurisdictions, drug legislation in Queensland does not make separate provision for lower-scale offenses. Another chapter identifies international drug conventions that are relevant to cannabis, the obligations that they impose, and the consequent limitations for domestic law in Australia. The two following chapters examine community views about current cannabis laws in Queensland and review the available legislative options, namely legalization, retention of the existing law, or introduction of a cannabis expiation notice scheme. The recommended approach would consist of the creation of simple possession and cultivation offenses, special provisions for minor cases, and abolition of the cannabis paraphernalia offense. 8 tables, 37 notes, 40 references, and 3 appendixes