Review of cannabis use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Abstract

The health effects of cannabis use may not always be seen as a high priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. However, the impact of cannabis use on physical and mental health can have significant consequences. It is known that the use of high potency cannabis has increased over the last two decades, with a corresponding increased risk to health. In particular, young people are at increased risk of experiencing harms to mental health. Physical harms to health include effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, an increased risk of cancer, and in-utero effects from maternal use. The review notes concern that in countries where there has been commercialisation of cannabis use, there has been an increase in the rate and use of high potency products. While generalising findings about cannabis use for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is problematic due to limited data, high rates of cannabis use have been found in some remote communities. The review highlights the protective factors that reduce harms from cannabis use and suggests future directions for a collaborative approach to addressing cannabis related harms in communities. This review is part of a suite of knowledge exchange products that includes a summary, a video, and a fact sheet.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Low Birth Weight in the Solomon Islands: Evidence From the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey data

“…22 Furthermore, prolonged consumption of kava has been reported that it can cause health impacts especially liver toxicity, raised cholesterol, and dermatitis . 17 While studies on kava in pregnancy are limited worldwide; some authors have suggested that kava consumption should be avoided entirely during pregnancy and lactation because of the uncertainty about its hepatic safety and the possible harm to the unborn baby. 23,24 In our study, the prevalence of maternal history of kava use was only 1% (n = 23).…”

“…15 While studies in LMICs have shown betel nut, marijuana, and the use of alcohol may have a direct impact on birth weights, 5,16 effects of kava use on pregnancy have not been studied. 17 Kava is a traditional Pacific Island beverage made from the piper methysticum plant and is becoming increasingly consumed in the Solomon Islands. 15…”

“…15 While studies in LMICs have shown betel nut, marijuana, and the use of alcohol may have a direct impact on birth weights, 5,16 effects of kava use on pregnancy have not been studied. 17 Kava is a traditional Pacific Island beverage made from the piper methysticum plant and is becoming increasingly consumed in the Solomon Islands. 15 The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential and contextual risk factors and the prevalence of LBW in the Solomon Islands based on the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey (SIDHS 2015).…”