How Much Weed Is Legal in South Australia? Your 2025 Flowchart & Threshold Guide
When Sophie’s friend Tom got slapped with a $550 expiation notice for carrying “just a pinch” too much cannabis, she realized that guessing the legal limit in South Australia can be costly. If you’ve ever wondered “How many grams of weed can I legally have in SA?”, this guide is for you. We’ve distilled the law into:
- A simple flowchart to instantly determine legality.
- A side‑by‑side table of exact limits for dried flower, resin, and fresh cannabis.
- Clear rules on equipment offences (bongs, grinders).
- Practical steps if you exceed the limit: paying or disputing an expiation notice.
- Edge‑case FAQs so you never get caught out.
South Australia’s Cannabis Possession Laws at a Glance
Expiation of Offences Act 1996: Simple Cannabis Offences
Under the Expiation of Offences Act 1996, adults (18+) found with small amounts of cannabis face only a fine—no criminal record—provided they don’t exceed the legal thresholds. en.wikipedia.org
Controlled Substances Act 1984: Paraphernalia Offences
Possession of cannabis equipment—like bongs, pipes, grinders—also carries an expiation notice under s 45A of the Controlled Substances Act 1984. Equipment is penalized regardless of whether you carry any cannabis. lawhandbook.sa.gov.au
Penalty Units & Fines Explained
- 1 penalty unit = AUD $18.37 (as of 2025).
- Expiation notices typically range 5–30 penalty units depending on the offence (e.g., simple possession vs equipment) and circumstances.
Quick‑Start Flowchart: Is Your Weed Legal?
mermaidCopyEditflowchart TD
A [Do you have cannabis?] --> B{Form of cannabis?}
B -- Dried Flower --> C{Weight ≤ 100 g?}
B -- Resin --> D{Weight ≤ 20 g?}
B -- Fresh Plant --> E{Weight ≤ 300 g?}
C -- Yes --> F[Legal — pay expiation notice ✅]
C -- No --> G[Over limit — possible prosecution 🚫]
D -- Yes --> F
D -- No --> G
E -- Yes --> F
E -- No --> G
A --> H{Do you carry equipment?}
H -- Yes --> I[Expiation notice for equipment ⚠️]
H -- No --> J[No equipment offence]
- Dried Flower (≤ 100 g), Resin (≤ 20 g), Fresh Cannabis (≤ 300 g) → Simple offence (fine only).
- Any equipment → separate expiation notice.
- Over any limit → at risk of criminal charges.
Detailed Thresholds Table
| Form of Cannabis | Legal Quantity | Offence Type | Typical Fine (Expiation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried Cannabis | Up to 100 g | Simple cannabis offence | 10–20 penalty units (~$184–$367) |
| Cannabis Resin | Up to 20 g | Simple cannabis offence | 10–20 penalty units |
| Fresh Cannabis | Up to 300 g | Simple cannabis offence | 10–20 penalty units |
| Equipment (bongs, pipes, grinders) | Any amount | Paraphernalia offence | 5–15 penalty units (~$92–$275) |
What Happens If You’re Over the Limit?
Criminal Charges vs Expiation
- Small overages may still attract an expiation notice at police discretion.
- Large overages (e.g., > 150 g dried) are indictable and typically routed to Magistrates Court.
How to Pay or Dispute an Expiation Notice
- Notice Issue: You’ll receive a form outlining the alleged offence and fine amount.
- Pay Online: Use the SA Courts website or in person at any police station.
- Dispute: Tick the “I wish to dispute” box and request a Court hearing—prepare evidence of compliance.
Record‑Keeping Tips
- Keep purchase receipts and labelling from licensed dispensaries.
- Photograph packaging with weight labels.
- Note GPS location if citing private property use.
Borderline & Edge‑Case Scenarios
- 0.5 g Over the Dried‑Cannabis Limit
- Police often exercise discretion; may still issue an expiation notice rather than prosecute.
- Resin Decanted into Vape Cartridges
- Cartridges count toward resin limit. Weigh cartridges to ensure total ≤ 20 g.
- Sharing Among Friends
- Each person’s individual quantity is measured separately. Joint possession can complicate liability.
- Carrying Equipment but No Cannabis
- Separate expiation notice under Controlled Substances Act for paraphernalia, even if empty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I carry 0.1 g over the limit without penalty?
- Possible, but not guaranteed. Police may still issue an expiation notice at their discretion.
- Does a grinder count as paraphernalia?
- Yes. Any tool “designed or adapted” to consume cannabis is an offence under s 45A. lawhandbook.sa.gov.au
- What if police find my cannabis in a locked container?
- Your container’s security doesn’t negate possession. Weight limits still apply.
- How long do I have to pay an expiation notice?
- Generally 28 days from issue; check your notice for exact due date.
- Will a simple offence affect my criminal record?
- No conviction is recorded if you pay the expiation notice on time.
Conclusion
No more guesswork: with our flowchart and threshold table, you know instantly whether your weed (and equipment) crosses South Australia’s legal line. Keep this guide—and a printable wallet‑card version—on hand to avoid fines and stay compliant. Share it with friends so nobody else gets caught out by a pinch over the limit!