The epidemiology of cannabis use and cannabis-related harm in Australia 1993–2007

Australian researchers have examined trends in patterns of cannabis use and related harm in the Australian population between 1993 and 2007.

According to the report, the number of drug treatment episodes in Australia for a primary cannabis problem increased from 23 826 in 2001/02 to 31 449 in 2006/07.

Treatment episodes for cannabis problems were most common among the younger birth cohorts (i.e. 1970–79 and 1980–89) over time, and increases were evident among both groups. This is consistent with the higher proportion of younger age groups reporting heavy use.

During the period 1998–2007, the number of national cannabis arrests remained relatively stable at approximately 55 000 per year.

You will find the full report, The epidemiology of cannabis use and cannabis-related harm in Australia 1993–2007, here.