NCPIC defunding a blow to cannabis research and intervention

December 2016

The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), a branch of NDARC, will be defunded and cease to operate at the end of 2016.

The Federal Government decision follows a request by NCPIC to remove the word ‘prevention’ from its name and evolve with the changing cannabis conversation in Australia.

Since NCPIC was established in 2008 by Professor Jan Copeland, it has not only helped thousands of people struggling with cannabis dependence, it has achieved a national and international reputation as a model in how to develop and deliver evidence-based education, training and research that is highly responsive  to the changing landscape.

Some of the significant changes that have occurred over the eight-year period include: the rapid move towards legalising cannabis for medicinal purposes, the emergence of synthetic cannabis and growing research evidence about the harms of cannabis driven by research emanating from NCPIC and the Cannabis Cohorts Research Consortium, of which Professor Copeland is a member.

There has also been significant legislative change internationally, particularly in a number of US states that have legalised cannabis, which has had a ripple effect of advocacy in Australia.

NCPIC has responded to these changes by staying relevant in its use of technology and in how it delivers its messages and resources. The NCPIC website, which had three quarters of a million unique visitors in the last year alone, is a prime example of how responsive the Centre is to its audiences and how tailored and relevant its resources are. 

In addition to digitally-driven communications, the NCPIC team has also delivered face-to-face training on evidence-based interventions to 10,000 people. This includes a number of collaborations with Indigenous communities, with many projects and resources developed working with those communities.

In a message to those currently being supported by NCPIC, the team provides these words of encouragement: “We genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best in finding the support you need and would like to note our disappointment at not being able to continue to provide you with assistance.

“Remember, it’s your choice to cut down or quit – no one else’s! When you’re ready, make a plan, set goals, get a friend to support you, and ride out cravings – don’t give into them – you can do it!”