[SIZE=10pt]Hi everyone[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]I am a researcher at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and we have launched a national online survey called the cannabis diversion survey which aims to evaluate the outcomes of issuing a cannabis diversion (e.g. cannabis caution or cannabis expiation notice) instead of a criminal charge for minor cannabis offences in Australia. In particular, we will be looking at impacts on health, employment status, relationships, crime and patterns of drug use for those people who have been diverted or charged. [/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]We have already received over 600 responses, but this is the first national study of its kind and we are keen to recruit as many participants as possible. We have advertised the study in a range of places including through drug user organisations, peak drug and alcohol bodies in each state and territory, twitter, and facebook, but we think this might also be of interest to this community. Our target group for the survey is anyone aged 17 years or older, who lives in Australia, and has been stopped by police for a cannabis use or possession offence in the past 3-9 months. If you meet these criteria [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]we would like you to take part. To participate go to: [/SIZE] [SIZE=12pt]www.cannabisdiversionsurvey.com.au[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]The survey commenced on July 15, 2014 and is excpected to run for another month or two. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. [/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]So why should you take part? First, this will give you the opportunity to have your say on whether Australian police should divert or charge cannabis users for minor cannabis offences. Second, you can help influence future policy discussions surrounding cannabis diversion. (Some of our previous research has led to policy change, including surrounding Australian pharmacotherapy provision and drug laws.) Third, all respondents who complete the survey will be eligible to win a $200 music voucher.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]If you would like more information please contact Marian at UNSW: (02) 8936 1215 or [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]m.shanahan@unsw.edu.au[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]This study has received ethics approval: HREC Ref: # HC1420.[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]Cheers[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]Evaluation of Australian cannabis diversion programs [/SIZE] [SIZE=14pt]THREE WEEKS TO GO[/SIZE] [SIZE=14pt]We have 750 completed surveys but hope to obtain over a 1000 completed surveys and so anyone who has not participated please do it now. [/SIZE] [SIZE=14pt]Our target group for the survey is anyone aged 17 years or older, who lives in Australia, and has been stopped by police for a cannabis use or possession offence in the past 3-9 months. [/SIZE] [SIZE=14pt]To participate go to: www.cannabisdiversionsurvey.com.au[/SIZE] Participation will help in future discussions about the benefits of police diversion versus a criminal conviction for Australian cannabis users.