Cannabis legalisation: challenges for social work based addiction treatment

Thursday, 24 November, 2022 - 09:00 to 19:30

Abstract

Cannabis legalisation becomes very likely in Germany with the present, less conservative government. Albeit specific regulations are still lacking, the consequences for the typically marginalized group of social work clients need to be accounted as they impact social work, especially within addiction and mental health services.

Expert interviews and online survey will be conducted in social workers of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. Assessment include: type and frequency of current health services provided to people with cannabis use and related disorders, expectations of changes when legalization is installed and needs to address expected changes in daily work routine. Disclosure of interest: none, this work is supported by an intramural Project Grant.

Preliminary results of social workers’ responses will be presented regarding frequency of work with clients with cannabis involvement and further training needs by social work setting and client characteristics.

While cannabis legalization may come with specific benefits and costs at societal level, those social groups which are addressed by social workers may have to struggle or benefit from different aspects. Therefore, this study may help to inform organizations regarding the future of social work after cannabis legalisation, so it can best address respective client needs.

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