Cannabis law in South Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Possessing, using or growing cannabis is an offence in South Australia, but for simple cannabis offences an adult must first be given an expiation notice (a fine) before any prosecution. Selling cannabis is an offence. Medicinal cannabis is available on prescription.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Administrative offence [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | There is no lawful amount. Possessing any cannabis is an offence (maximum $2,000). An adult alleged to have committed a simple cannabis offence must first be given an expiation notice; the quantity covered by that scheme is set by regulation. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- The Act is read as an Internet Archive snapshot of 1 December 2025 (version dated 20 November 2025) because legislation.sa.gov.au returns 403 to scripts. The expiation fee and the quantity limit for simple cannabis offences are set by regulation and were not read. A child is not given an expiation notice.
- Section 45A(8) defines simple cannabis offences by reference to quantities and plant numbers prescribed by regulation; the regulation was not read.
- Artificially enhanced cultivation, and more than the prescribed number of plants, are not simple cannabis offences and carry imprisonment (section 33K(1)).
- Smoking or consuming cannabis in a public place cannot be dealt with by expiation notice (section 45A(8)(c)).
- A medical practitioner must notify or apply to the Commonwealth TGA to prescribe an unregistered product; State authority is needed for Schedule 8 products in some cases.
- Recreational use is prohibited, so this field does not apply and has not been given a value.
Sources
- South Australian Parliamentary Counsel's Office (South Australian Legislation): Controlled Substances Act 1984 (version 20.11.2025; Internet Archive snapshot of 1 December 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- SA Health: Medicinal cannabis - Patient access in South Australia | SA Health (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Australia and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Australia
| Quantity limits | There is no single national rule. Possession, cultivation and use of cannabis are mostly governed by state and territory law, and those laws differ. (source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) |
|---|---|
| Medical cannabis | Legal for medical use (source: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)) |
More rules in South Australia
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1977 · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
- MopedsLicence: Any SA licence
- Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
- Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted, or used without touching; L/P1: none
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05%
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.