19 March 2006

New report shows physical and mental dangers of cannabis use

A new Sydney "cannabis clinic" will assist users get counselling and treatment for their addiction, Minister for Health John Hatzistergos, said today.

Mr Hatzistergos today visited the site of the Southern Sydney Cannabis Clinic, to be located in the new community health centre at Sutherland Hospital.

The Minister was joined by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Member for Heathcote, Paul McLeay; Member for Miranda, Barry Collier and Member for Menai, Alison Megarrity.

"The clinic will provide clinical intervention for cannabis users and also assist their families," he said.

"There will be practical treatment, individual and group counselling programs and outpatient care.

"The key target groups for these services include young people, people with mental health issues, users who have previously failed to get treatment and the families of people using the drug."

Mr Hatzistergos said more than 400 cannabis users a year were expected to attend the clinic, which will be completed next year.

The clinic will see its first patients in April this year, operating out of Sylvania Community Health Centre, until its permanent home at Sutherland is completed.

Counselling services will also be available at Engadine, Menai and Sutherland Hospital.

Three cannabis clinics currently operate at Parramatta, the Central Coast and Orange in the Central West, as part of the State Government's $2.65 million commitment to the scheme.

Preliminary results from the first clinic, which opened at Parramatta in 2003, showed 60% of people who had received treatment quit using cannabis, while 38% reduced use to once a week.

Mr Hatzistergos today released a review of findings by the NSW Health Department, highlighting the dangerous impact cannabis can have on a user's physical and mental health.

He said cannabis use can lead to:

• Psychosis, depression, anxiety and increased suicide risk
• Detrimental effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems
• Premature ageing of the brain responsible for short-term memory
• Slow brain development at a young age

Mr Hatzistergos said cannabis was the most widely used illicit drug in Australia.

"With the incidence of mental illness among cannabis users on the rise, it is now more important than ever to take action," he explained.

"Cannabis is also often part of a wider pattern of substance abuse, including cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs.

"Long term use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence."

Mr Hatzistergos said the NSW Government had raised the issue at the Council of Australia Government (COAG) meeting in February.

"Anyone who thinks cannabis is a soft drug should come to visit a psychiatric unit to see its devastating affects," he said.

"Using cannabis is self-inflicted destruction of the mind and the body.

"This report should silence the apologists for the so-called soft drug market," he said.

A 24-hour telephone help line, The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS), is available providing advice, counselling and treatment referral, by trained drug and alcohol workers: call 9361 8000, or 1800 422 599 outside of Sydney.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au