SYNTHETIC CANNABIS
768. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the Minister for Mental Health:
I refer the minister to the article
entitled ''Pot Luck'' that appeared in the Weekend Australian
of Saturday, 2 October 2021 and focused upon the potential dangers posed by
synthetic cannabis.
(1) Is the
minister aware of the article and the manner in which it juxtaposes the dangers
of synthetic cannabis, particularly as taken by the young and relatively
uninformed, with natural cannabis used by consenting and informed adults?
(2) Does the
government concede that the prohibition of a relatively harmless drug has the
potential to drive a generation of youngsters towards more harmful and
downright dangerous synthetic compounds?
(3) Is the government
doing anything to teach young people to distinguish between these two very
different substances; and, if not, why not?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Yes, I am
aware of the article and understand the dangers that arise from the
misconception that synthetic cannabinoids present no additional harms compared
with cannabis.
(2) It is
important to note that both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited
in Western Australia for recreational use.
(3) Yes, the Mental Health Commission funds Drug
Aware, which is a statewide public education program that aims to prevent,
delay and reduce drug use and related harms. It provides evidence-based
information to Western Australians to help them make informed decisions about
drugs and related behaviours. The Drug Aware
website is being updated to provide comprehensive information on cannabis and
synthetic cannabinoids to ensure Western
Australians are aware that these drugs and associated harms are distinct from
one another. In addition, education to high school students about cannabis and
synthetic cannabinoids and associated harms is provided through the
government-funded School Drug Education and Road Aware program.