Area director of NCAHS drug and alcohol services John Leary said cannabis (marijuana) was the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia, with around a third of all Australians having used it at least once in their lifetime.

“While recent population surveys indicate that regular use of cannabis is now decreasing, research has proved that there is a risk of developing a dependence on cannabis with regular use,” Mr Leary said.

The evaluation of the trial clinics found them to be a successful model of treatment and more clinics are now being funded around the state.

The North Coast clinics are mostly being provided in Community Health Centres in an effort to attract people into treatment who may not wish to attend drug and alcohol facilities.

“The clinics will offer individually tailored treatment to people who identify cannabis as their primary drug of concern. This support will be based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT),” Mr Leary said. “The clinics will also aim to identify any cannabis users with a mental health disorder and provide special assistance.

Clinic staff members will also be available to offer brief advice and support to parents or carers of problematic cannabis users, as well as other service providers.”

Access to the cannabis clinics are through a dedicated line, 1300 664 098.

A trained health professional will ask the caller a few questions over the phone and provide them with an appointment time at the nearest health centre where clinics are held.

All contact will be on a confidential basis.

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