Cannabis-rate of use and cultivation:

[syk613]

Authors: Maddox, S; Williams, S

Title: Cannabis-related experiences and rate of cultivation: would they change under a policy of decriminalization?

Source: DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY, 5 (1): 47-58 MAR 1998

KeyWords Plus: AUSTRALIA

Abstract:

It has been argued by many involved in the treatment and prevention of drug-related problems that policies of prohibition have been largely ineffective, that they produce a range of health, social and economic harms, and may well have contributed to an increase in the use of some illicit drugs. Policy makers in some countries are considering the adoption of strategies which 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 this move. Fifty-five cannabis users contacted through a Western Australian university completed an anonymous questionnaire which (i) explored their experiences as cannabis users under the current policy of prohibition where any use or possession is a criminal offence; and (ii) asked for their predictions about their cannabis-related behaviour under a theoretical system of cannabis policy based on the South Australian Cannabis Expiation Notice (CEN) system. Under a CEN system, personal use, pos session and cultivation of cannabis for personal use is not a criminal offence and attracts a fine. Six key areas relating to cultivation of cannabis for personal use and minimizing 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; cannabis users' access to other illicit drugs, and use of other licit and illicit drugs, may be reduced; and use of the oral ingestion method of administration would probably increase. However, results suggest that tinder 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 model of cannabis policy to prohibition in States that operate like Western Australia. However, the CEN system is probably not the ideal system from a harm minimization perspective.

Reprints: WILLIAMS S,MURDOCH UNIV,SCH PSYCHOL; MURDOCH WA 6150, AUSTRALIA.

 

Research

Institutions: Murdoch Univ, Sch Psychol, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.

[Chev]

However, results suggest that tinder 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 model of cannabis policy to prohibition in States that operate like Western Australia. However, the CEN system is probably not the ideal system from a harm minimization perspective.

There will always be a black market for Marijuana, regardless of the law. If it was simply regulated, the association with criminal activity and drug dealing would be no more.

I don't see how the system can discriminate against the poorer segments of the population. It discriminates against the whole of the population when you think about it, or it has the potential too.

As for harm minimization, eh? If the government does follow through with this cannabis research centre they have planned, and keep it running, we could get invaluable information of our own. I know other countries do their research, and it probably is viable. But do you believe much of what's coming out of places like America and U.K at the moment? ::

We need our own proper research, with Aussie pot and people. It's long overdue.

[Luke Skywalker]

I think he's trying to say that under a fine/decriminalisation system like in SA, the poorer sections of the community are discriminated against, as they are unable to pay or at least less able, than other richer portions of the community... so in the end, the poor still won't be able to grow, and the rich will just go ahead and pay any fine laid out, and make a moxie out of it.... I tend to agree.

 

I don't think decrim is the answer to cannabis use and abuse in society, like chev said, regulation and legalisation would be a much better approach, and I think that's what this reasearch is showing...

 

I think, I could be wrong... I just had the wickedest cone of honey oil, so I could be a little confused... hee hee

 

RE-LEGALISE IT!

[Guest Wilderbud]

Im with the force on this one.

 

LEGALIZE IT! - Peter Tosh.

[syk613]

1stly let me just say I am not expressing an opinion on decrim/regul my previous post is simply for the communities info and in response to the prohibition post active on the day, therefore it seemed a pertinent piece of research to post at the time..

 

But do you believe much of what's coming out of places like America and U.K at the moment? 

@chev81

Do you have any proof of tampering with results, because I keep hearing about all these companies/govt. spending vast amounts on research only to change the results and demonise the drug, BUT all med /pharmacy textbooks will tell you it is VERY safe and these books are based on the best research to date, one of the worst side-effects is actually the feeling we pay or grow for. take a look at the thread on mj adverse effects or better yet visit the US govt site for the national institute of health there is a lot of info on mj but most is on its ability to heal. yes the US fed govt has an agency that backs its use (to a degree). As I have already said I would luv to see any proof of results being tampered with.

 

We need our own proper research, with Aussie pot and people. It's long overdue.

I don't understand the point of this, for starters 9-THC is the same everywhere and as for ppls reaction; it will be very similar to ppl from any western developed country. This research can be used anywhere tho it is not geographically specific like grow research, and actually I think Carr is setting up a trial in parallel to the med admin of mj.

Edited November 19, 2003 by syk613

[dexo]

good old murdoch--the university for dodgey drugaddicts, i recived my masters in tavernology there!

[Brash]

... I don't see how the system can discriminate against the poorer segments of the population. It discriminates against the whole of the population when you think about it, or it has the potential too.

I have to say I have not heard of massive police swoops with sniffer dogs in the ritzy suburbs of the yuppies ... I mean, their children can't get criminal records, these little darlings are our future leaders (heaven forbid)