NCJ Number
176005
Journal
Drugs: Education Volume: evention and Policy Issue: Dated: Pages: 1 (March 1998)-58
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with cannabis users in Western Australia, this study assessed their predictions about cannabis- related experiences and rate of cannabis cultivation under a theoretical system of cannabis policy based on the South Australian Cannabis Expiation Notice (CEN) system, which involves the decriminalization of the personal use of cannabis.
Abstract
Many involved in the treatment and prevention of drug- related problems have argued that policies of prohibition have been largely ineffective; that they produce a range of health, social, and economic harms; and that they may well have contributed to an increase in the use of some illicit drugs. Policymakers in some countries are considering the adoption of strategies that aim to reduce harm without necessarily eliminating drug use. One strategy has been to decriminalize some substances. In Australia, two States have decriminalized the use of cannabis, and other States are considering doing the same. Fifty-five cannabis users contacted through a Western Australian university completed an anonymous questionnaire that explored their experiences as cannabis users under the current policy of prohibition, under which any use or possession is a criminal offense; it also solicited their predictions about their cannabis-related behavior under a theoretical system of cannabis policy based on the CEN system. Under a CEN system, personal use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis for personal use is not a criminal offense and draws a fine. Six key areas related to cultivation of cannabis for personal use and the minimization of harm associated with cannabis use were explored. The findings suggest that under a CEN-like system, cannabis users would probably cultivate significantly more of their personal-use cannabis, and the access to other illicit drugs and the use of other licit and illicit drugs may be reduced; also, the use of the oral ingestion method of administration would probably increase; however, findings show that under a CEN-like system, a black market for cannabis would probably still exist; consumption of cannabis by cannabis users, at least initially, may increase slightly; and the system would discriminate against the poorer segments of the population. This research provides some support for the introduction of an alternative to prohibition as a model for drug policy in States that operate like Western Australia; however, the CEN system is probably not the ideal policy for minimizing harm. 3 tables and 36 references