❓ A Member of Parliament raises concerns about the health risks associated with marijuana use, citing a 1992 study. The Minister for Health acknowledges the risks and outlines the government's approach to education, treatment, and legal framework.
AnsweredQoN 349Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer you to the Medical Journal of Australia and to an article entitled ‘The Human Toxicity of Marijuana’ dated April 6 1992. It refers to such matters as a sixfold increase in the incidence of schizophrenia; cancer of the mouth, jaw, tongue and lung in 19 - 30 year olds, feto-toxicity; and non-lymphoblastic leukaemia in children of marijuana-smoking mothers -
(1) Are you aware of this article?
(2) Are the concerns expressed in that article also held by medical professionals responsible for this area within your department?
(3) Have there been other studies since that time and if so, will you table a list of them and of any other studies that would be of assistance to Members of the Parliament?
(4) Are there any other concerns held by the medical professionals within your department as to the consequences of the use of marijuana?
(5) If so, what are they?
(6) Has your department made any epidemiological predictions as to the effect in the next 20 years of the use of marijuana by the Western Australian population?
(7) If so, what are they?
(1) Are you aware of this article?
(2) Are the concerns expressed in that article also held by medical professionals responsible for this area within your department?
(3) Have there been other studies since that time and if so, will you table a list of them and of any other studies that would be of assistance to Members of the Parliament?
(4) Are there any other concerns held by the medical professionals within your department as to the consequences of the use of marijuana?
(5) If so, what are they?
(6) Has your department made any epidemiological predictions as to the effect in the next 20 years of the use of marijuana by the Western Australian population?
(7) If so, what are they?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 February 2002
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Response time
78 days
1.
Not specifically. There is substantial literature on the health and psychological effects of cannabis use. The most comprehensive Australian review of this issue is outlined in the National Drug Strategy Monograph No 25, The Health and Psychological Consequences of Cannabis Use, published in 1995. This monograph has recently been reviewed and updated and will be published shortly.
2.
It is well recognised that cannabis use does pose problems for users, as do the legal drugs tobacco and alcohol and other illicit drugs.
3.
There is substantial literature in this area as indicated in the attached list of key references, which I table. See tabled paper.
4.
This literature reflects the concerns held by professionals working in the area.
5.
See 4.
6.
- 7. Cannabis use has been prevalent in Australia over the last quarter century and we are seeing the epidemiological effects of that use amongst both young and older users at the current time. This includes the need for treatment for dependence which is available, as it is for all legal and illicit drugs, through our specialist alcohol and drug services.
The Government will continue to educate young people and the public about the risks and harms of cannabis use and it will continue to ensure that treatment services are available where these are necessary. It will also put in place a sensible and appropriate legal framework which will not inhibit these education and treatment efforts and which will ensure that the large number of people who use cannabis are not further harmed by a criminal record and that the legal system is not bogged down with imposing this harm.
Not specifically. There is substantial literature on the health and psychological effects of cannabis use. The most comprehensive Australian review of this issue is outlined in the National Drug Strategy Monograph No 25, The Health and Psychological Consequences of Cannabis Use, published in 1995. This monograph has recently been reviewed and updated and will be published shortly.
2.
It is well recognised that cannabis use does pose problems for users, as do the legal drugs tobacco and alcohol and other illicit drugs.
3.
There is substantial literature in this area as indicated in the attached list of key references, which I table. See tabled paper.
4.
This literature reflects the concerns held by professionals working in the area.
5.
See 4.
6.
- 7. Cannabis use has been prevalent in Australia over the last quarter century and we are seeing the epidemiological effects of that use amongst both young and older users at the current time. This includes the need for treatment for dependence which is available, as it is for all legal and illicit drugs, through our specialist alcohol and drug services.
The Government will continue to educate young people and the public about the risks and harms of cannabis use and it will continue to ensure that treatment services are available where these are necessary. It will also put in place a sensible and appropriate legal framework which will not inhibit these education and treatment efforts and which will ensure that the large number of people who use cannabis are not further harmed by a criminal record and that the legal system is not bogged down with imposing this harm.
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