Survey of Australians using medical cannabis

[Brash]

Authors: Wendy Swift, Peter Gates and Paul Dillon

Date: October 2005

Source: Centre Lines - A bi-monthly newsletter from the National Centres for Drug and Alcohol Research

Copyright: the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

Link: article link - PDF

 

(Abstract - Harm Reduction Journal 2, 18)

Survey of Australians using cannabis for medical purposes

 

Wendy Swift, Peter Gates and Paul Dillon

 

Background:

The New South Wales State Government recently proposed a trial of the medical use of cannabis. Australians who currently use cannabis medicinally do so illegally and without assurances of quality control. Given the dearth of local information on this issue, this study explored the experiences of medical cannabis users.

 

Methods:

Australian adults who had used cannabis for medical purposes were recruited using media stories. A total of 147 respondents were screened by phone and anonymous questionnaires were mailed, to be returned by postage paid envelope.

 

Results:

Data were available for 128 participants. Long term and regular medical cannabis use was frequently reported for multiple medical conditions including -

• chronic pain (57%),

• depression (56%),

• arthritis (35%),

• persistent nausea (27%) and

• weight loss (26%).

Cannabis was perceived to provide “great relief” overall (86%), and substantial relief of specific symptoms such as pain, nausea and insomnia. It was also typically perceived as superior to other medications in terms of undesirable effects, and the extent of relief provided. However, nearly one half (41%) experienced conditions or symptoms that were not helped by its use. The most prevalent concerns related to its illegality. Participants reported strong support for their use from clinicians and family. There was almost universal interest (89%) in participating in a clinical trial of medical cannabis, and strong support (79%) for investigating alternative delivery methods.

 

Conclusions:

Australian medical cannabis users are risking legal ramifications, but consistent with users elsewhere, claim moderate to substantial benefits from its use in the management of their medical condition. In addition to strong public support, medical cannabis users show strong interest in clinical cannabis research, including the investigation of alternative delivery methods.

Edited October 18, 2005 by Brash

[SweetJane]

Hey Brash...thanks for posting that. I was one of the particpants and often wondered if they ever did anything useful with the information.

 

SJ

[Brash]

media release is tomorrow and the full report can be found here - Full survey results - PDF

[dsyfer]

Do you reckon it will get much publicity? or will it get squashed?

[Brash]

Well NDARC (National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre) is a reputable body and its reports are often commented upon. I also understand they have some influence in shaping government policy - here's hoping. Edited October 20, 2005 by Brash

[Brash]

story picked up by New Limited cross post from Australian Marijuana New Forum

and just got interviewed by AAP, so more to come