Charged With Supplying Cannabis Near a School?

Do not delay. The consequences of conviction are catastrophic.
We act fast to identify weaknesses in the prosecution case and seek alternatives before charges escalate.

Supplying Cannabis in a School Zone

Under section 33G of Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA), a person who sells, supplies, or administers cannabis within a school zone is guilty of a serious offence.

A “school zone” is defined as:

The premises of any preschool, primary, or secondary school, whether public or private.
Any public place within 500 metres of those premises.

The offence applies:

Regardless of time of day or school holidays.
Whether the school is open or closed.
Even if no children were present at the time.

Do not delay. The consequences of conviction are catastrophic.

Book a same-day free 30-minute consultation or (08) 7094 2021 now to speak with a senior cannabis offence lawyer today. Your best defence is counting on it.

Penalty for Supplying Cannabis in a School Zone

Offence	Maximum Penalty
Supplying cannabis in a school zone	$1,000,000 fine or imprisonment for life, or both

This penalty applies regardless of quantity — even a single joint or edible may attract a crushing penalty.

You cannot receive an expiation notice or diversion for a charge under s33G.

What Counts as Supplying Cannabis?

Supply includes:

Giving, gifting, or sharing cannabis with another person.
Selling or trading cannabis.
Administering cannabis (e.g. oil, vape, edible).

There does not need to be a commercial purpose. Simply handing over cannabis to someone else in a school zone is enough.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Charges

Giving a friend a joint while parked outside a school.
Smoking with another person within 500m of school grounds.
Handing off cannabis oil, brownies, or capsules near a school.
Administering cannabis to a patient in care outside a special school.

Police are not required to prove knowledge of the school zone. It is a strict liability offence.

Can You Be Convicted If No Kids Were Around?

Yes. The law does not require:

That any students be present.
That school be in session.
That the accused knew it was a school zone.

Once supply and location are proven, the offence is made out.

Defence Strategies for School Zone Supply Charges

Defending this charge requires a precise legal strategy. We may

Challenge the location measurement (e.g. not within 500m).
Argue the substance was not cannabis (pending forensic results).
Seek a negotiated downgrade to avoid the s33G charge.
Argue mental health or capacity issues at the time.
Highlight lack of commercial intent for sentencing leniency.

This is a high-risk charge and early intervention is essential.