ACT becomes first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities

People found with small amounts of drugs for personal use, including heroin and cocaine, will be cautioned, fined or referred to drug programs

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Australian Capital Territory has become the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities.

Laws passed in the territory's parliament on Thursday mean people found with small amounts of nine different types of illicit drugs will not be criminally prosecuted.