Overview of harm reduction in cannabis use

Offer advice on harm reduction to people who use cannabis. Some people will not choose to stop using but will consider measures to limit risk and may be open to revisiting their options for behavioural change later, particularly if harm reduction information is provided in a nonjudgemental way. The general principles of care in chronic disease management are important, particularly maintaining an engaging therapeutic relationship and a sense of hope.

Strategies to consider for harm reduction includeInsight, 2018:

  • avoiding cannabis use when experiencing symptoms of anxiety or paranoia (which can be exacerbated by use) and seeking psychosocial support
  • avoiding cannabis use together with other drugs that heighten anxiety or paranoia (eg stimulants, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD])
  • use of a dry-herb vaporiser approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in preference to smoking cannabis; these can be purchased at a pharmacy (advise patients not to use cannabis oil in a vaping unit)
  • avoiding driving under the influence of cannabis, including during withdrawal
  • being aware that oral forms of cannabis (also known as ‘edibles’) are absorbed more slowly than inhaled; if a person uses an oral form of cannabis, they should try a small amount and wait 1 to 2 hours before having more to avoid toxicity.

../Overview-of-substance-use-and-addictive-behaviours/c_AMG_Overview-of-substance-use-and-addictive-behaviours_topic_28.html#c_AMG_Overview-of-substance-use-and-addictive-behaviours_topic_28__table-3187 is a printable patient information sheet on ways to get help and reduce harm from the use of cannabis and other drugs.

Harm reduction also involves management of complications of cannabis use, such as: