High levels of cannabis use persists in Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Abstract

[Extract] Cannabis use is implicated in serious social disruption in many Northern Territory Aboriginal communities.1 Rising levels of cannabis use were first reported in Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land in 2002, along with associated concerns about escalating social impacts and mental health effects compounded by other substance use.2

A random sample of 164 people in Arnhem Land initially interviewed and assessed in 2004 were followed up between October 2005 and June 2006. Their cannabis use was measured using health worker assessments and self-reports from interviews. Ethical approval was granted by the NT Health Department, Menzies School of Health Research, and James Cook University.

Despite a modest decline in cannabis use in this population between 2002 and 2004,3 the 2005–2006 data indicate persisting high rates, with 61% of males and 58% of females (aged 13–34 years) using cannabis at least weekly.