Young cannabis users must have counselling

August 3, 2007

WA's teenage cannabis offenders should undergo compulsory counselling and in some cases sessions should include their parents, the AMA (WA) said today.

"There's also an urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained public education program on the health and social consequences of the drug," said association President Prof Geoff Dobb.

In a submission to the State Government's review of the Cannabis Control Act, the association said the paying of a small fine did not challenge cannabis users to think twice about smoking the drug and financial penalties may require review.

"Unfortunately, the Government's failure to educate the public on cannabis may have contributed to the view among young people that pot is a relatively harmless drug," said Prof Dobb.

"The Government needs to be reminded that the overwhelming body of medical evidence points to cannabis being a harmful drug, both at the individual and community level.

"Our kids need to get that message loud and clear."

Prof Dobb said the present Cannabis Infringement Notice (CIN) system provided an easy let out for many people and had been a total failure in persuading drug offenders to undertake a cannabis education course.

Of the 9328 offenders issued with a CIN to the end of March this year, only 1250 (13 per cent) did the course. In addition, the scheme had a high default rate among indigenous offenders and those with a criminal record.

"Access to appropriate services may be one reason for the poor uptake of cannabis education sessions and there should be a review of what works best in meeting the needs of cannabis and other drug users," said Prof Dobb.

"For example, there is strong evidence that brief motivational interventions by health professionals are effective in helping drug users examine their lifestyle and in making positive changes to reduce harm."

Prof Dobb said GPs skilled in motivational techniques and with a special interest in youth health, could also provide the support necessary to enable cannabis users to confront their drug use.

"This would have the added advantage of improving counselling services for all drug users, especially those living in rural areas," he said.

Prof Dobb said a weakness in the present system was that young cannabis users under the age of 18 were not eligible for a CIN. They were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act 1994 and could not be compelled to undergo any form of counselling or family assessment.

"Each year around 600 young people under 18 commit drug-related offences and the opportunity to positively engage them at this early stage of their drug taking is lost," he said.

"Early drug use is a strong indicator of other potential health and social problems for young people and their families and for this reason the AMA wants young cannabis offenders - and where appropriate their parents - to attend counselling sessions and make lifestyle changes.

"This is something we strongly recommend to Health Minister Jim McGinty."

Prof Dobb said the AMA's submission also drew attention to potential risks of cannabis in pregnancy.

"Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in pregnancy and women need to be aware of its affects on the unborn child," he said.

"Similar to other drugs such as alcohol and tobacco, cannabis passes from mother to foetus during pregnancy.

"Smoking cannabis can lead to low birth weight and children exposed to cannabis in the womb can experience more difficulty with problem solving and attention, impacting adversely on their education potential," he said.

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