Cannabis-related death in Australia

The findings of the first national level study of cannabis-related deaths.

Globally, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug with over 188 million people estimated to have used it in 2017. Recreational use of plant-derived cannabis has been associated with an elevated risk of premature mortality, including accidental injury, natural disease and suicide.

This presentation will explore the findings of the first national level study that investigated 559 cannabis-related deaths through the National Coronial Information System.

The study investigates the rates, characteristics and manner of cannabis-related deaths recorded in Australia (2000-2018)

Speaker Bio:

Emma Zahra is a Research Officer at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW. Her research focus includes drug-related morbidity and mortality and treatment pathways. As a Registered Nurse and Master of International Public Health, she has experience in acute care settings (emergency and surgical medicine), health promotion, and global medical assistance. Emma is currently collaborating with senior researchers in epidemiology and public health at NDARC, and other leading drug and alcohol research centres across Australia.