Cannabis use and Schizophrenia
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask the Minister for Education and Training, on behalf of the Minister for Health: Is the Minister aware that Professor Vaughan Carr, the head of the Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders at Newcastle University, was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald as saying, “It’s past the bounds of theory now, there is enough evidence to indicate that marijuana use in young people has a causal role in the development of schizophrenia”? Is the Minister aware that studies referred to in the article estimate that daily users of pot had rates of psychotic symptoms between 1.6 and 1.8 times higher than those of non-users and 150 per cent more chance of developing schizophrenia? What action is the Government taking to address this problem given the prevalence of mental health issues in our State and the need for clear, effective and truthful communication about the harmful impact of illicit drugs particularly on matters of mental health?
The Hon. CARMEL TEBBUTT: While I have no doubt that the Hon. John Della Bosca would have some views on the question, Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes has asked that the question be referred to the Minister for Health. I will do that and I undertake to get a response as soon as possible.
