It's been 12 months since small amounts of illicit drugs were decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory

It's just before midnight on a Thursday night in the centre of Canberra.

Music is blaring from the city's nightclubs, and cheaper drinks and free entry into venues are on offer as part of 'uni night'.

Among the partygoers are a group of volunteers from CBR NightCrew, a service run by St John Ambulance.

"Every night is so different," according to team leader Claire Walters.

"Our main goal is harm minimisation and we are there on scene to help anyone who is intoxicated, drug-affected."

They walk around the city's streets with giant backpacks filled with first-aid gear, water and lollipops, with the aim to keep people safe on a night out.

A year ago, a change in the ACT's drug laws prompted some concern their nights would get much busier.

But 12 months on from the territory becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise small amounts of illicit drugs, they haven't seen any difference.