Possessing prohibited plants (other than cannabis) is an offence under section 23(1)(c) and 23(2)(c) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, which carries a maximum penalty of:
- 15 years in prison for less than a commercial quantity if the case is finalised in a higher court, such as the District Court, or 2 years in prison if the case is finalised in the Local Court.
- 20 years in prison for at least a commercial quantity, but less than a large commercial quantity, or
- Life in prison for a large commercial quantity.
To establish the offence, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:
- You possessed a plant, and
- The plant was a prohibited plant, other than cannabis.
Prohibited plants other than cannabis include:
- Erythroxylon (a source of cocaine)
- Papaver Somniferum (opium poppy)
- Papaver Orientale (Oriental poppies), and
- Papaver Bracteatum (Iranian or Persian poppies).
You are not guilty if you had a valid licence, permit or authorisation to possess the plant.
Defences to the charge include duress and necessity.