❓ Dr. Walker asks the Minister for Health about autism prevalence in WA and the consideration of cannabis as a treatment, referencing a UK study. The Minister acknowledges the question and states WA Health reviews relevant research.
AnsweredQoN 1294Legislative Council
Asked
11 December 2025
Member
Portfolio
1294. Hon Dr Brian Walker to parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health
QuestionView source ↗
Cannabis—Autism
1294. Hon Dr Brian Walker to parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer the minister
to the results of the first major study to be undertaken examining cannabis use
in autistic adults, noting that they showed a 73% decrease in short-term
overall symptom severity. Although I note that more research will need to be
done into longer term reliance:
(1)
Is the minister able to provide an accurate estimate of the number of adults
with autism in WA, noting that the Australian Bureau of Statistics survey from
2022 showed notable increases over the four preceding years?
(2)
Will the minister ensure that this latest United Kingdom-based research is
shared with the relevant officers in the Department of Health so that the
potential for new and effective treatments may be considered going forward?
1294. Hon Dr Brian Walker to parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer the minister
to the results of the first major study to be undertaken examining cannabis use
in autistic adults, noting that they showed a 73% decrease in short-term
overall symptom severity. Although I note that more research will need to be
done into longer term reliance:
(1)
Is the minister able to provide an accurate estimate of the number of adults
with autism in WA, noting that the Australian Bureau of Statistics survey from
2022 showed notable increases over the four preceding years?
(2)
Will the minister ensure that this latest United Kingdom-based research is
shared with the relevant officers in the Department of Health so that the
potential for new and effective treatments may be considered going forward?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)
There are no Western Australia–specific adult figures published as of
2025.
(2)
WA Health and the clinical professionals employed in the public sector continue
to review research and its translation and application to clinical
circumstances.
honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.
(1)
There are no Western Australia–specific adult figures published as of
2025.
(2)
WA Health and the clinical professionals employed in the public sector continue
to review research and its translation and application to clinical
circumstances.
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