information for practice

The reasons for cannabis use are broadly no different to those for other licit and illicit substances. Long term, sustainable improvements in mental health and substance abuse are likely, therefore, to rest on influencing factors that lie outside the traditional domains of both mental health and drug and alcohol treatment. The current responses for the prevention and treatment of cannabis use and mental illness are set out in several national policy frameworks – the National Drug Strategy, the National Mental Health Plan and most recently the COAG Mental Health Action Plan. Statements from the Federal Government to align these frameworks are welcome and may result in improved coordination at the strategy, policy and service levels and improved accountability. Given the early onset of both mental illness and initiation of cannabis use, it is clear that the bulk of the prevention and early intervention investment must be targeted at younger age groups. There are also very strong reasons for investment in treatment and harm reduction options for older age groups. Despite what we know about the early onset of mental illness and cannabis initiation, we also know people aged 25–44 years and 45–64 years are more than twice as likely as those aged under 25 years to receive an active treatment for a mental illness when seen in general practice. A similar pattern of delayed help seeking is seen in relation to problematic cannabis use, where the bulk of those seeking treatment are in the 30+ age group.