Author: Kristina Kothrakis
Practice area: Drug Offences
Kristina is a Director at Doogue + George and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist with over 18 years of criminal defence experience. Her depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Kristina authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 5th August 2026.
What is the offence of Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Large Commercial Quantity?
Cultivation of Narcotic Plants (Large Commercial Quantity) is an offence under section 72 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981. It covers cultivating, or attempting to cultivate, a narcotic plant where the quantity is not less than the legally defined “large commercial quantity”, without being authorised or licensed to do so.
Key points
- Prosecution must prove cultivation (or an attempt), a “large commercial quantity”, and no authorisation/licence.
- Conduct includes growing or attempting to grow narcotic plants at or above the large commercial quantity threshold.
- Usual court level: County Court or Supreme Court.
The maximum penalty for Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Large Commercial Quantity is Life imprisonment (level 1 imprisonment) including a fine of not more than 5000 penalty units ($1,045,500 — as at 2026–27).
Common defences may include The quantity of the drug cultivated was not a large commercial quantity; lack of knowledge or intent; or factual disputes regarding the accused's involvement.
Have you been accused of Cultivation of Narcotic Plants (Large Commercial Quantity)? This is a serious offence which may lead to a term of imprisonment if it is not handled correctly by an experienced defence lawyer. You must get in contact with our firm as soon as you become aware of this allegation.
Police Interview
The Police Interview is part of the investigation into the allegations against you. It is not the time for you to explain yourself and present your story. It is important that you speak to a lawyer before an interview to ensure you understand your rights. You may want to know:
- Will I be remanded into custody?
- Do I need to answer the questions?
- Will it look bad if I say ‘no comment’?
Often in cases of allegations of Cultivation of Narcotic Plants (Large Commercial Quantity), the Police will execute a search warrant and you will be arrested for an interview. You have the right to speak to a lawyer from the station and can insist that you obtain legal advice before the interview. Alternatively, you can have a lawyer present with you during the interview if it makes you comfortable knowing that you have someone on your side protecting your interests.
Pleading Not Guilty
This is a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. It is critical that you obtain expert legal advice to understand your options. We are experienced at defending cases thoroughly and persistently.
We know how to carefully examine the brief of evidence to look for weaknesses in the police case, while also conducting our own investigation for evidence that supports your defence.
Our lawyers work with in-house counsel to prepare a defence strategy for you from the early stages of proceedings.
Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to Cultivation of Narcotic Plants (Large Commercial Quantity), it is important the case is resolved on the best basis possible. This may involve negotiating the specific of the charge or the summary of offending with the prosecution.
There is substantial preparation for a plea hearing to achieve the best sentence possible. Our lawyers will obtain expert reports, assist you to complete relevant courses and counselling, and gather character references from those close to you. We work with you to understand your personal circumstances and background, ensuring that we comprehensively explain your story to the Court.
Which court will the case be heard in?
This sort of charge will generally be heard in the county Court.
Examples of Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Large Commercial Quantity
- Two brothers grows 100 large marijuana plants in their shed
- A group of people set up a production plant in a factory and make large quantities of cocaine
What is the legal definition of Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Large Commercial Quantity?
Cultivating or attempting to cultivate a narcotic plant in a quantity, that is not less than the large commercial quantity applicable to that narcotic plant.
Can they prove that you were involved in the cultivation?
The Law
The section that covers this offence is section 72 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.
Elements of the offence
The prosecution must prove the following elements to prove that the accused is guilty:
- The accused cultivated or attempted to cultivate a narcotic plant in a quantity of a drug of dependence.
- The quantity of said narcotic plant was not less than the large commercial quantity applicable to that narcotic plant.
- The accused was not authorised by or licensed under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 or the regulations or the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Act 2016 or the regulations under that Act to do so.
Defences
- The quantity of the drug cultivated was not a large commercial quantity
There are other possible defences, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offending. Each matter is unique and requires an individual approach and strategy.
Questions that are asked in cases like this:
- What is the large commercial quantity for the drug you are being charged with cultivating?
- Can they prove you were linked to the cultivation?
Maximum penalty of section 72 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
Cultivation of narcotic plants in a large commercial quantity (s72 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981) is a very serious offence for which the Courts say that you normally must serve a lengthy prison term if you are found guilty.
The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment (level 1 imprisonment) including a fine of not more than 5000 penalty units ($1,045,500 — as at 2026–27).
