Cannabis Abuse Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Australia

Running head: CONFERENCE PROPOSAL
CONFERENCE PROPOSAL
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CONFERENCE PROPOSAL1
Introduction:
Substance abuse and impaired mental health has emerged as a primary matter of
concern in Australia. Substance abuse disorders are caused due to excessive use of tobacco,
drugs and alcohol. Substance disorders are also referred to as addiction or increased
substance dependence. According to statistical evidence, it has been suggested that on an
average 1 in every 20 Australians suffer from a substance abuse issue (Healthdirect.gov.au,
2019). Research studies suggest that substance abuse problems cause damage to the brain as
well as other vital organs (Hall & Degenhardt, 2014). As stated by Mewton et al. (2013), the
problem of substance abuse triggers multiple mental health issues. In addition to this, it
should be noted that tobacco and alcohol are the most common substances that are abused
within Australia.
Upon evaluating the existing relationship between substance dependence and the
demographic level, the evidence base suggests that approximately 13% of the Australians that
are aged 14 years and above smoke on an everyday basis (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2019). Also,
smoking account for 8% of the total disease burden within Australia (Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, 2019). In addition to this, research studies suggest that 1 out of every 6
adults in Australia consume alcohol more than that of the recommended level as the per the
Australian alcohol consumption guidelines (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,
2019). Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of injuries, accidents, physical
health issues such as liver and cardiovascular disorder and mental health issues such as
violent behaviour and acute psychosis (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).
In addition this drug abuse in the form of exploiting prescription medications,
sedatives and illegal drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines also elevates the risk of
developing mental health disorders (Ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au, 2019). Research studies suggest

CONFERENCE PROPOSAL2
that the most common drugs abused in Australia include methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy
and Cannabis (V, 2019). It has further been mentioned in this regard that excessive drug
abuse leads to mental health issues such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and Psychosis
(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).
Problem Statement:
According to a report published by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019),
Cannabis has been mentioned to be the most commonly abused illicit drug in Australia. It
should be noted in this context that Cannabis has been identified as the second most common
illicit drug that results in the largest amount of deaths in Australia. The most common
Cannabis species that are harvested in Australia include the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis
indica (Hall & Degenhardt, 2014). The drug is generally available in three forms that include
marijuana or Herbal cannabis. Herbal cannabis refers to the dried leaves and flowers of the
plant and has reported to be the weakest form (Ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au, 2019). The second
form refers to Cannabis resin or hashish which is basically the dried resin from the plant
(Ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au, 2019). The third form includes the hashish oil or cannabis oil
which is extracted from the resin and has been studied to be the strongest form of the drug
(Ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au, 2019). The drug cannabis is smoked in combination with tobacco
in a rolled cigarette joint or a water pipe. Also, the cannabis oil is applied on the surface of
cannabis herb and is smoke or is heated and the vapours are inhaled.
The primary psychoactive substance of cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or
(THC). The percentage of THC is highest within the leaves and the flowering buds of the
plant (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). In addition to this, Cannabis
comprises a total of 70 distinct chemicals which are collectively known as Cannabinoids
(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019). The drug acts as a depressant for the