Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR)

What is a Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR)?

Under WA Laws and the Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR) Scheme, WA Police may issue a CIR notice to eligible people. A person is eligible for a CIR if they are aged 14 years or over, and is found using, or in possession of not more than 10 grams of cannabis, and/or is found in possession of a smoking implement containing detectable traces of cannabis.

An adult can only receive one CIR, while a young person (aged 14-17 years) can be given a CIR on two separate occasions. An adult who previously received a CIR and commits a second or subsequent minor cannabis-related offence will be prosecuted through the courts. A young person who commits a third or subsequent minor cannabis-related offence will be dealt with via application of the Young Offender’s Act 1994.

The CIR Scheme does not apply to offences involving the possession or cultivation of cannabis plants, or possession of any quantities of cannabis resin (hash), hash oil, or other cannabis derivatives. These offences will be prosecuted through the courts.

What can I do if I receive a Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR)?

A person who has been given a CIR will be required to book and complete a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) within 28 days or elect to have the matter heard in court. For bookings please call the Booking Service on 1800 722 362, 7:00am-7:00pm, 7 days a week.

If you book and complete a CIS you will not be required to appear in court. No further action will be taken against you for the alleged offence and you will not receive a criminal conviction.

If you are unable to complete a CIS within the 28 day period, you can apply in writing to WA Police for an extension and may be granted one if you are able to provide proof of extenuating circumstances. An Application for Extension of Time to Complete a Cannabis Intervention Session can be downloaded from the WA Police website at www.police.wa.gov.au under their Online Services.

If the 28 day period has expired and you have not completed a CIS or elected to have the matter heard and determined in court, you will be prosecuted through the courts or, if you are a young person, the matter may be referred to a Juvenile Justice Team.

For more information please contact the Drug Diversion Coordinator, WA Police on 9454 1454.

What is a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS)?

A Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) is a one-to-one therapeutic intervention with a trained alcohol and drug counsellor who provides you with an opportunity to consider your drug use in a supportive and respectful environment. A CIS takes approximately one hour to complete, is available statewide and is provided by professional alcohol and other drug treatment agencies. They also provide the opportunity to access further help if required. The person running the CIS is not employed by Police and anything discussed is confidential. Police will not be present and you will not be drug tested or have a urine sample taken.

The purpose of the CIS is to inform you about:

the adverse health and social consequences of cannabis use;
the laws relating to the use, possession and cultivation of cannabis; and
effective strategies to address cannabis using behaviour.

You can also expect to:

improve your personal decision-making skills relating to cannabis use;
consider the harms associated with your cannabis use and how to minimise these;
consider changing your drug use and how to do this; and
receive information about how to access further support and assistance.

Following completion of the CIS, the counsellor will give you a Certificate of Completion and will send a copy to the WA Police for their records.

Booking and completing a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS)

To book a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) please call the Booking Service on 1800 722 362.

Some considerations for when you attend your CIS:

Make sure you attend the CIS within 28 days from the time your CIR is issued;
bring a copy of the CIR to the CIS;
mention any special requirements (e.g. interpreter services) you may have with the Booking Service;
actively participate in the whole session;
you will not be permitted to undertake the CIS if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; and
you will be required to certify that you are the person to whom the CIR was issued. Accepted forms of photo identification include:

a current driver’s licence;
a current passport;
18+ identification card; or
other approved forms of photo ID.

You will receive a Certificate of Completion from the agency and they will send a copy to WA Police for their records.

What happens if you don’t attend a Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS)?

If the 28 day period has expired and you have not completed a CIS or elected to have the matter heard and determined in court, the offence will be prosecuted through the courts.

Electronic brochures with further information on the Cannabis Intervention Requirement and the Cannabis Intervention Session are available here.