Following the release of new data from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Penington Institute is calling for urgent attention from governments to reduce community harms by introducing a regulated cannabis market for adult use. [...] The AIHW Trends in Cannabis Availability, Use, and Treatment in Australia, 2013–14 to 2021–22 report reveals findings in cannabis availability, use and treatment that over the last decade, cannabis has remained readily available and potent. [...] Around one in four (25 per cent) Australians aged 14 and over said they were offered or had the opportunity to use cannabis in the past year in 2022–2023, up from 18 per cent in 2010. [...] A regulated market for cannabis would control the origin and potency of products, as well monitoring who is accessing them, helping to provide support and reduce the risk of health harms. [...] The fact is that millions of Australians use cannabis and there must be a framework to recognise that reality and minimise harm to individuals and the community.” Mr Ryan said that Penington Institute is currently working in consultation with experts and the community on extensive modelling about how a regulated cannabis market would work to reduce community harms.
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