Dr. Walker questions the government's commitment to reducing problematic cannabis misuse and proposes longitudinal studies. The government affirms its commitment and harm-minimisation approach but doesn't commit to the studies.

AnsweredQoN 101Legislative Assembly
Asked
30 April 2025
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

Cannabis—Legalisation
101. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Health:
I refer the minister
to data published by the American Medical Association last week, showing that
the legalisation of cannabis in Canada led to an increase in use but a
significant decrease in problematic misuse.
(1)
Is the Cook Labor government committed to reducing the instances of problematic
cannabis misuse here in Western Australia?
(2)
If yes to (1), will the minister commit to funding one or more longitudinal
studies to track the levels of both medicinal and recreational cannabis use
here in WA, and if not, why not?
(3)
Will the government concede that the scientific evidence from a range of other
jurisdictions continues to support the argument that the best way to ensure
user safety is to legalise and properly regulate recreational cannabis use
alongside medical cannabis use?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following has been
provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)
Yes.
(2)–(3)
The state government continues to monitor cannabis use and trends, and adopts a
harm-minimisation approach to cannabis use.

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