Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Cannabis Use Disorder

NDARC Staff

Amie Frewen and Jan Copeland

Aims

To develop clinical guidelines for the management of cannabis use disorder.

Design and Method

The Cannabis Guidelines are being developed in accordance with the NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines, and a process influenced by Finish Researcher Kettil Bruun, to reach clinical consensus. Therefore, they will be based on a synthesis of the best available evidence (as identified by a background literature review and a further paper that makes clinical recommendations based on the evidence) and a consensus among a multidisciplinary panel of experts (including academics and clinicians).

Progress

The Guidelines are in the final step of consultation. In March 2009, the guidelines were circulated to all clinicians and experts involved in the workshop and/or background papers. The Guidelines have been tailored to reflect feedback from these individuals and the Guidelines are now in the process of gaining external feedback. A draft of the Guidelines was completed and submitted to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in April 2009. The final draft is due on May 30th 2009.

Benefits

Clinicians will have access to evidence-based interventions for cannabis use disorder.

Output

Monograph completed and awaiting publication. Dissemination strategy submitted to funding body.

Funding

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing