Cannabis water pipes (bongs) ban now in force

6 January 2012

The sale, display and supply of bongs in Victoria is now illegal under new laws introduced on 1 January 2012.

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the move sent an important message that cannabis was an illegal drug, which when consumed could have harmful consequences.

"Through making the display and sale of bongs illegal, we take them out of the markets, off the shelves, and out of shop windows and stop them being seen as a normal retail item," Ms Wooldridge said.

Banning the sale of bongs better aligns Victorian legislation regarding illicit drugs, with the possession and consumption of cannabis already prohibited.

Victoria Police will enforce the new laws, with maximum penalties for breaches of up to $7,328 for an individual and up to $36,642 for a company.

Police now have the appropriate seizure powers in relation to bongs, bong components and bong kits that are displayed, are for sale or are supplied as part of a commercial activity. They also have the power to issue on-the-spot infringement notices for all offences.

Cannabis use has significant social, physical and psychological costs on individuals, families and the broader community and it is expected that this new legislation may reduce the uptake of cannabis use by Victorians.

Ice pipes and cocaine kits, both apparatus used to consume illicit drugs, are already banned from sale in Victoria.

Further information

To find out more on the new law, visit the department’s alcohol and other drugs website.