Nipping Adolescent Cannabis Use in the Bud (8/6/10)
MEDIA RELEASE
8 June 2010
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Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among Australian adolescents.
Professor Jan Copeland, from the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at the University of NSW, has an international reputation as a leading researcher in the development of brief interventions for cannabis related problems.
Prof Copeland, and fellow researcher Dr Sally Rooke, have been awarded a grant from Australian Rotary Health to conduct a one year pilot study into preventing adolescent cannabis use through graphic warning images on the internet.
Graphic and emotionally provocative images have been employed in anti-smoking campaigns. Studies show these images are a more effective smoking deterrent than text-based warnings, but despite their apparent effectiveness, graphic warning images have not been widely used to deter cannabis smoking.
Many people consider cannabis a 'soft' drug; one that sedates people and doesn't cause any harm.
However, research has linked cannabis use with physical and mental health problems such as respiratory inflammation, cardiovascular disease, cancers of the head and neck, psychosis and mood disorders.
Cannabis damages cognitive function if used over a long period of time and can lead to social problems such as crime and dysfunctional relationships.
Prof Copeland’s study will determine whether graphic or emotion provoking warning images can effectively discourage adolescent cannabis use.
“If successful, an extended version of the intervention program could be developed for schools, community groups and other organisations dealing with young people at high risk of developing cannabis related problems” Prof Copeland said.
The program could also be generally made available on the internet to provide a highly efficient means of helping to prevent cannabis use disorders.
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