The Pfizer Health Report: Australian attitudes towards cannabis

NDARC Staff

Wendy Swift, Jan Copeland and Paul Dillon

Aims

This project aimed to obtain population-based data on Australian's attitudes towards the physical health, mental health and social effects of cannabis use, their sources of information on cannabis use and their attitudes towards interventions to reduce cannabis-related harm.

Design and Method

This research was conducted among a representative sample of approximately 1000 Australian households as part of the Pfizer Health Report Series. The Health Report surveys are conducted about 4 times a year, with various organisations invited to submit research questions to form an omnibus survey. This study involved self-completion of 28 questions on attitudes towards cannabis use.

Benefits

There is little currently known about the Australian public’s attitudes and beliefs towards cannabis use. This study may help in developing appropriately targeted Australian education campaigns on the effects of cannabis.

Output

A draft report of findings was released in February 2007, accompanied by substantial media coverage. A copy of the press release is available on the NDARC website.

Funding

Pfizer and National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre