Overview of 'Cautious with Cannabis'

The National Illicit Drugs Strategy has committed funding in the areas of prevention, early intervention, education and diversion of drug users to counselling and treatment. Throughout Victoria a series of early intervention programs will be designed and delivered to address the seriousness and circumstances of the criminal offence and personal circumstances of the offender. The “Cautious with Cannabis” project is part of the early intervention initiatives aimed at providing an alternative to criminal justice sanctions and to modify individual drug-related behaviour through education.

The “Cautious with Cannabis” program will provide a drug education program for persons who have been given a cannabis caution by the Victoria Police for the use and/or possession of small amounts of cannabis. Cautioned individuals may voluntarily agree to attend the 2-hour education program in order to assist them manage their drug use problems. This cannabis education program will be offered throughout the state of Victoria, in both metropolitan and rural areas.

Currently cannabis is one of the most popular illicit drugs within Victoria. The National Illicit Drugs Strategy recognizes that there is a need to educate the broader community about the harms and consequences of cannabis use. This has created the opportunity for this program to reach beyond the target group of cautioned individuals. All interested community members can access this program, including people who currently use cannabis or family and friends of users.

The "Cautious with Cannabis" program will provide participants with knowledge about the effects and impact of cannabis and other illicit drug use and the consequent harms, information about harm minimization strategies, information and referral to relevant specialist alcohol and drug treatment services and other health and welfare services. Most importantly this program is based on up to date, evidence-based information about cannabis. Through the delivery of the “Cautious with Cannabis” program we can increase the knowledge of the broader community and dispel the myths surrounding cannabis and the effects on the individual and society.

The program commenced in August 2001. It is provided each month in nine locations around Victoria (five rural and four metropolitan venues). It is free of charge.

For further information, please visit our Cautious with Cannabis website. You can also contact UnitingCare Moreland Hall on (03) 9386 2876 or to e-mail, use our contact form (select "Cautious With Cannabis" from the "to" list).

To refer someone to the program, call DirectLine -- freecall 1800 888 236 (24 hours per day, 7 days a week) (DirectLine website)

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