Don't+Panic,+It's+Organic..


 * Name:** Lauren Gallagher
 * Student #** :06796125
 * Tutor:** Steven Badman

= Don't Panic It's Organic.. =

media type="custom" key="24256190" align="center"

The short video above was obtained from the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) website. This PSA (Public Service Announcement) shows a series of people from ranging ages, sex, cultures and sub populations declaring individuals who choose to use marijuana should not be punished by law or society. These individuals portray marijuana use to be safer than alcohol and assert support for the legalisation and regulation of marijuana. They declare restrictions on marijuana use and/or possession results in a loss of freedom and choice (Marijuana Policy Project, 2013).

According to the 2012 United Nations World Drug Report, Australia has one of the highest rates of recreational drug use worldwide (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2012). In Australia cannabis is the most widely used drug with approximately one in three (33.5% or 5.8 million) Australians in 2007 aged 14 years or older having used marijuana/cannabis at some stage in their life (Drug Arm,2011;Drug and Alcohol Services Council South Australia, 1999). Illicit drug use in Australia is a serious and complex issue that doesn’t have a simple solution. In 2004-2005 estimated costs associated with licit and illicit drug use amounted to $56.1 billion dollars of which 15% was associated with illicit drug use (AIHW,2010). Marijuana is often perceived as the less harmful of illicit drugs, campaigns such as the artefact above encourage frequent and medicinal use without acknowledging its potentially harmful side effects. Before we consider legalisation of this drug we must consider the health implications associated with its use.
 * PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE **



Cannabis is a mind and mood altering drug derived from the plant cannabis sativa. Drugs from cannabis can be produced in three forms: marijuana, hashish and hashish oil. This report however will focus only on marijuana which is derived from the dried flowers and leaves of the plant (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, 2013). Society often proclaims cannabis to be the gateway drug. With drug users first trying cannabis before moving on to other stronger drugs such as methamphetamine (Drug Aware, 2013). However a recent study in 2010 has shown the majority of cannabis users (61%) do not use any other illicit drug.
 * LITERATURE REVIEW **

Despite rates of cannabis use increasing from 9.1% to 10.3% in the 2007-2010 period, the vast majority of Australians in the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household survey remain against legalisation of illicit drugs and support increased penalties for the sale and supply of drugs (AIHW,2010).Whilst the artefact above supports the use and legalisation of marijuana this report aims to reflect on current research to determine the health impacts on society and individuals if legalisation of marijuana was to occur.

The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre list individual short-term health effects of cannabis use as: talkativeness, loss of inhibition, increased appetite, bloodshot eyes, dryness of the eyes, mouth and throat, anxiety and paranoia, a feeling of well-being, decreased nausea and loss of co-ordination. Few studies have conclusively determined the exact health risks of long term cannabis use however likely adverse effects include decreased memory and learning abilities, decreased motivation and concentration, mental health issues, risk of dependency and increased risk of respiratory diseases and cancer (National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, 2008).

Impacts on Society due to cannabis use include: decreased cognitive and motor skills making those who operate machinery or vehicles at great risk of injuring themselves or others. For the 2004/2007 financial year, costs associated with loss of productivity due to drug use amounted to $2.1 billion dollars. This loss of productivity greatly impacts on the Australian economy as well as increasing the amount of absenteeism, workplace accidents and workplace conflict. Increased crime rates with users of addictive substances have also been established in many studies (AIWH,2010).

In Australia it is illegal to grow, sell, possess or use cannabis however penalties differ between states and territories (National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, 2008). Some states/territories have decriminalised minor cannabis offences such as having possession of a small amount drugs for personal use. In these states/territories possession of cannabis is then penalised with a civil penalty e.g. a fine rather than criminal prosecution e.g. jail time/criminal record. See the table below for penalties in jurisdictions that decriminalised cannabis (National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, 2008).



Criminalisation of cannabis was established to deter cannabis use however there is little evidence to suggest criminalisation is an effective deterrent (Drug and Alcohol Services Council South Australia, 1999). Statistics from the ABS show that in 2009-2010, 57,170 arrests were made on account of cannabis offences, this was the largest category of drug arrests accounting for 67% of the national total (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Clearly with statistics like this, drug users are not deterred by legislation. As Comedian and former addict Russell Brand states //“The status of a drug is irrelevant to a drug addict. If you’re a drug addict, you’re getting drugs. That’s it”.// With high costs surrounding enforcement and policy of cannabis prohibition one must question if legalisation is a more economical solution.

Just over one-quarter of adults (27%) reported in the 2004 NDSHS that they believed cannabis use should be legalised; however, this declined to 21.2% in the 2007 survey. In the 2004 NDSHS, 28% of respondents reported that they thought possession of a ‘small amount’ of cannabis should be a criminal offence and that offenders should receive a criminal record (National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, 2008). Research suggests fear surrounding health risks of drug use to be a greater deterrent among non-drug users and users alike than the fear of prosecution (Drug and Alcohol Services Council South Australia, 1999). Research has also shown cannabis use and use of other illicit drugs can be linked to higher participation rates in criminal activities. A 2012 study on the extent to which criminal activity can be attributed to substance abuse found one in three detainees or 32% had indicated their recent drug use had contributed to their detainment (Payne & Gaffney,2012). It is important to note that not all drug users commit crimes, some individuals are recreational users that simply use to relax and unwind. Other uses for marijuana may be medical.

The cancer Council of NSW acknowledges cannabis may be beneficial in relieving nausea and vomiting amongst chemotherapy patients. Medicinal use of cannabis may also act as an analgesic for patients in moderate to severe pain. Cannabis has also proven to be an effective appetite stimulant which may help cancer patients experiencing weight loss and muscle wasting. In instances where current treatments may be ineffective in treating patients the Cancer council supports the use of synthetic cannabis for medical purposes, however they believe the administration to be safest via oral spray as smoking has many adverse health effects (Cancer Council NSW, 2013). Cannabis has also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and in treating chronic neuropathic pain. Whilst studies have shown that cannabis can be beneficial for medicinal purposes the studies have also shown that it is only as effective as current medical treatments (Talking Drugs, 2012). Whilst reported improvements in pain relief of up to 30% from the treatment group compared with the placebo group are significant, further studies into the long term effects of cannabis are needed before making medicinal cannabis a legal and widespread treatment option (Cancer Council NSW, 2013).



Pro Marijuana groups around the country support the legalisation of cannabis which they claim will increase access to health services for those who may develop an addiction as less shame/stigma will be associated with its use. Pro marijuana groups contend criminal charges and terms of imprisonment do not deter addicts from reoffending. These groups argue a criminal conviction for marijuana possession to be a penalty which is not indicative of the nature of the offence. As such citizens who are otherwise law abiding experience significant negative social impacts. The counter argument to reducing current penalties is that it may lead to an increase in drug use and availability. It is further contested decriminalisation of marijuana would send a message that authorities do not regard marijuana as harmful. Conversely decriminalisation would free up substantial law enforcement and justice resources thus reducing the costs to the community (Parliament of Canada,2000). Whilst the Marijuana policy project believes marijuana to be a safe drug they do acknowledge that some individuals may develop an addiction and these individuals deserve treatment not criminal charges. The MPP believe the best way to treat addicts is through methods promoting harm reduction and abstinence based recovery. ( Marijuana Policy Project, 2013).

**CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">People who use illicit drugs have a history of stigmatisation in Australia. A study in 2004 investigated the extent of discrimination amongst Australian drug users. 63% of participants reported being discriminated against by family members, 62% by friends, 54% by doctors and nurses and a staggering 63% had been discriminated against by pharmacy staff (Tinworth, 2012). It is important to note that of the users in this study the majority of participants had injected drugs rather than smoked them as marijuana users typically do.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">So why do people take drugs if doing so results in such a negative response from their loved ones and communities? Many argue drug use begins as a way to relieve overwhelming feelings such as anger, depression, anxiety and boredom. Taking drugs is a way for these individuals to cope with the daily challenges presented in life which they perceive they are otherwise incapable of handling on their own. Russell Brand sums this up perfectly in his statement “The priority of any addict is to anaesthetise the pain of living to ease the passage of day with some purchased relief.” Eventually however this coping mechanism becomes an addiction and despite wanting to give up many users struggle with withdrawals and other negative side effects of quitting. The United Nations Drug Report 2012 poses another reason “ children and teens who maintain untreated mental problems such as ADHD or were physically or sexually abused are at a greater risk of developing a drug problem” (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2012). Socially drug use can be reflective of peer pressure, socio economic background, ethnicity, education attainment and geographic location. Evidence shows that the risk of taking drugs increases when there is lack of social support or a presence of other drug users within the family (AIHW,2010).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">I chose to reflect on this artefact as it left me completely dumfounded and questioning all I had previously learnt about drugs. Growing up I was always told there is two sides to every story yet the tale of drug use from a pro drug support group is one I had not heard. I simply did not understand how positive health statements could be related to illicit drug use.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">ANALYSIS OF ARETFACT AND OWN LEARNING **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Prior to researching this topic I was unaware of how many people take illicit drugs on a regular basis and I was shocked when I learnt how young the age of initiation is. Never having taken drugs other than those prescribed by my doctor I can honestly say I have a much broader understanding of why and how people become addicted. I can no longer think of drug users as hapless losers who chose their junkie lifestyles, I now understand many factors influence drug use and abuse. I can acknowledge cannabis use can have positive and negative health effects though review of this artefact and research has not changed my mind on legalisation. I believe drugs should remain criminalised however more treatment options aimed at harm minimisation and abstinence are needed, imprisonment should only be considered as a last resort and available to those who present a risk to themselves or the community. A greater understanding of drug addicts and their reasons for use need to be further examined so that we can understand their addiction and provide the help and structure they need to kick their habit. Until we as a society change our view from one that criticises these individual’s and punishes them for their addiction to one which understands their powerlessness these addicts have no hope of recovery.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">//“The mentality and behaviour of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.”// – Russell Brand.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">[|n8894451]
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">REFLECTION **

[|n8794375]

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. (2013).Learn about Marijuana. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">REFERENCES **

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2012).Crime and Justice. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2010). National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Retrieved October 26,2013,from []

Cancer Council NSW. (2013).Medical Use of Cannabis. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Drug and Alcohol Services Council South Australia. (1999). The impact of Cannabis decriminilisation in Australia and the United States. Retrieved October 26,2013,from []

Drug and Alcohol Services Council South Australia. (2013). Cannabis. Retrieved October 26,2013,from [] Drug Arm. (2011). Cannabis.Retrieved October 26,2013,from []

Drug Aware.(2013).Cannabis. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Marijuana Policy Project. (2013). It Shouldn’t Be a Crime. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Marijuana Policy Project. (2013). Our Mission and Vision. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Mclaren,J.,&Mattick,R.(2007) Cannabis in Australia – Use,supply,harms and responses. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre. (2008). What is Cannabis?. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre. (2008). Cannabis and the Law. Retrieved October 20,2013,from []

Parliament of Canada. (2000).The Impact of Cannabis Decriminilisation in Australia and the United States. Journal of Public Health Policy,21 (2),157-186.Retrieved from []

Payne,J.,&Gaffney,A.(2012) How much crime is drug or alcohol related?.Retrieved October,20,2013 from []

Swift,W.,Coffey,C.,Degenhardt,L.,Carlin,j.,Romaniuk,H.,&Patton,G.(2011).Cannabis and Progression to Other Substance Use in Young Adults. //Epidemiol Community Health//. doi:10.1136/jech.2010.129056 Talking Drugs.(2012) The effects of Cannabis on Health. Retreived October 26,2013, from []

Tinworth,J.(2012,July). Why wouldn’t I discriminate?. //Ebulletin//.Retrieved []

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.(2012). World Drug Report. Retrieved October 30,2013,from []