ACT government moves to 'health response instead of criminal' for drug use

For decades, Australia has been waging a war on drugs.

In the nation's capital the ACT government says we're not winning the battle and the problem is the law.

So from the end of October, it will no longer be a crime to possess hard illicit drugs in Canberra.

Steve has been using drugs for most of his life.

"I'm 55, I've used drugs from the age of 13, started heroin at probably 14," he said.

He told A Current Affair he has overcome addiction but admitted to still using occasionally.

The changes to laws mean drug users like Steve will have access to a "health response as opposed to a criminal one".

"The use of illicit drugs is not safe, we don't condone it, we don't encourage it and in fact, it is still illegal. This is simply reducing the penalty for small amounts of drugs for personal use," ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen Smith said.

"All it takes is a conversation with the right person and it can change everything," Steve said.

Watch the full video in the player above.