Find a Mental Health Professional for Cannabis Use

About Cannabis Use support

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance in Australia and is generally perceived as low-risk, though for some people it creates real challenges. Regular cannabis use can affect motivation, memory, concentration, sleep, and mental health. It is associated with increased risk of psychosis in people who are genetically vulnerable, and heavy use over time can develop into dependency. Cannabis use disorder is more common than many people realise. People who want to change their relationship with cannabis may benefit from psychological support, particularly approaches such as motivational interviewing and CBT that help people explore their reasons for use, identify triggers, and develop alternative coping strategies. Many people use cannabis to manage anxiety, sleep, or pain, and addressing those underlying concerns is often an important part of reducing use. In Australia, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline and state-based services such as DirectLine (Victoria) and the Drug and Alcohol Helpline (NSW) offer confidential support and referral. A GP can assess physical health and refer to specialist services or subsidised psychology sessions under Medicare. SMART Recovery provides peer support for people wanting to reduce or stop cannabis use.