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Canna~Fangled Abstracts

An analysis of the cultivation, consumption and composition of home-grown cannabis following decriminalisation in the Australian Capital Territory

By February 4, 2025February 5th, 2025No Comments

. 2025 Feb 4;15(1):2649.

doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-84897-w.

Cilla Zhou 1 2 3 4, Isobel Lavender 1 5, Rebecca Gordon 1 2, Danielle McCartney 1 5, Richard C Kevin 1 2 6 7, Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez 1 5, Iain S McGregor 8 9
Affiliations 

Abstract

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a region that includes Australia’s capital, Canberra, decriminalised small-scale cannabis cultivation and possession in January 2020. Here, we examined cannabis use and cultivation behaviours, experiences and attitudes of current and past small-scale ACT cannabis cultivators. ACT residents (n = 311) who currently cultivate or have previously cultivated cannabis completed a cross-sectional online survey (‘CAN-ACT’) and provided home-grown cannabis for phytocannabinoid analysis (optional). Reasons for cultivation included a preference for home-grown cannabis to self-supply, enjoyment of the process and avoiding criminal networks. Cannabis intake was a median of 1 gram on a typical day used and the number of plants grown per year was a median of 4. Various cultivation challenges were identified, most commonly mould, nutrient deficiency and spider mites. Cannabis samples (n = 71) generally exhibited moderate THC content (mean 8.99 ± SEM 0.51% [w/w]) and low CBD content (< 0.1%). Few samples exceeded contaminant guidelines for heavy metals or pesticides. Respondents identified various grey areas in current legislation that might lead to inadvertent criminal activity, and many (52%) remained anxious about arrest. In general, recent legislative changes appear to support community needs. Options for further legislative refinement are discussed.

Keywords: Cannabinoid, Cannabis, Contaminant, Cultivation, Drug policy

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: IM has acted as a consultant to Kinoxis Therapeutics and has received honoraria from Althea and Janssen. He is an inventor on several patents relating to novel cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid therapeutics. His research is funded by the Lambert Initiative and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). IM and DM have received consultancy income from the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Association (MCIA) of Australia and provided expert testimony in medicolegal cases related to cannabis. Other authors report no competing interests.

References

    1. Department of Health and Aged Care – Australian Government. Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act 2016 (2016).
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MeSH terms

Substances

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