Regular cannabis-users needed for UQ study

Regular cannabis-users are needed for a University of Queensland study examining the continued popularity of the drug among Australians.

Psychiatry Department researchers are seeking people who have used cannabis regularly for at least one month out of the last three, have no history of psychiatric treatment, live within 20kms of the CBD and are over 18 years of age.

Researcher Bob Green said his study would compare the cannabis experiences of people with and without psychiatric problems.

"Despite the possibility of arrest and health problems, Australian household surveys report that 41 percent of those surveyed have tried cannabis. Overall, 12 percent of people surveyed said they had used cannabis in the last 12 months, with use being much higher in those aged 14-29 years of age," Mr Green said.

"Although cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Australia, relatively little research has examined the factors which contribute to its continued use. My research will better help understand cannabis use from the perspective of users.

"The research aims to develop better methods to understand cannabis use, especially among people who experience problems with its use."

He said participants would be reimbursed for expenses incurred during their participation in the project (for example, bus fares/taxi fares), which consisted of an initial interview and four brief telephone contacts.

In the interview, participants would be asked about the good and bad effects of cannabis, their reasons for use and control over their cannabis use.

If you would like more information, please contact Mr Green on telephone 07 3221 2511 or by email on: thcstudy@yahoo.com More details are available from: www.psychiatry.uq.edu.au/research/