Development of the National Cannabis Strategy

NDARC Staff

Richard Mattick, Jennifer McLaren and Margaret Eagers

Rationale

On 12 November 2004, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) agreed to the development of a National Cannabis Strategy, which will be the first of its kind in Australia. The widespread use of cannabis in Australia means that the National Cannabis Strategy will be a particularly important component of the National Drug Strategy.

Aims

To coordinate the development of a national strategy addressing ways to minimise the harm associated with cannabis use in Australia.

Design and Method

A Project Management Group, chaired by Professor Richard Mattick of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, was established to lead the development of the National Cannabis Strategy (the Strategy). The Group encompassed representatives from the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), health, education and law enforcement sectors. Four Reference Groups have also been established to provide advice to the Project Management Group throughout the development of the Strategy. A list of the Project Management and Reference Group members is available.

Output

Funding

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing