Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the Western world.1
Despite the extent of its use,
the effects of cannabis use and dependence on health and psycho-social functioning are often
under-recognised. This represents missed opportunities for health promotion and early
interventions for young people who may already be experiencing cannabis use-related difficulties.
Overall, use of cannabis presents a mixed picture, with use stabilising in some countries, yet
reducing or increasing in others. Also evident, is that gender differences appear to be diminishing
among young people who use cannabis, and Indigenous communities in the US, Australia and some
Pacific Islands appear to have higher levels of cannabis use than the non-Indigenous populations.2
In addition, there is debate regarding the regulation or decriminalisation of cannabis. High profile
sports people, entertainers and even politicians have made their views and histories of cannabis
use known, or have been exposed by mainstream or web-based social media. Young people are
aware of this, and despite exposure to confusing messages, are expected to make informed
choices. Also relevant is past and present use of cannabis by some parents, older siblings and
even teachers, reinforcing a view that cannabis is a ‘soft drug’ with minimal consequences for
physical and mental health. Such views ignore significant changes in the patterns of cannabis use
over the past 40 years, which include a decline in the age of initiation of use, an increase in use of
more potent cannabis, and more frequent and heavier use by young people — with peers and
when alone.