Public Perceptions of the Health and Social consequences of Cannabis Use, 1994

This aim of this study was to determine the Australian public's perceptions of the health and social effects of cannabis use. It also attempted to determine people's attitudes towards government policies in relation to cannabis, particularly in order to form a basis for the development of comprehensive, targeted, education initiatives about its use. Some of the main variables include: frequency of use of cannabis; method of consumption; reasons for use; perceived health effects of use relative to other drugs; perceived social effects of use, such as whether or not it affects mental health, behaviour, motivation, relationships with others, driving skills etc. Variables covering respondents views on government policies relating to cannabis include what laws there should be controlling or regulating personal use, and whether or not government should provide education about the health effects of use. Also included are variables covering respondents views on other possible uses of the plant, such as papermaking and hemp fibre. Background variables include: sex, age group, occupation, level of education and country of birth.