@article{ref1,
title="Public perception of medicinal and recreational cannabis and its effect on mental health: a survey of a regional Australian town",
journal="Australasian psychiatry",
year="2020",
author="Webb, Matthew and Mansfield, Kylie",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To investigate beliefs about treatment capabilities of medicinal cannabis (MC), the effect of recreational cannabis (RC) on mental health and online cannabis search trends.   METHOD: Participants (n = 117) completed an online survey, and search engine optimisation software was used to analyse internet search trends.   RESULTS: Half the participants perceived RC as harmful to mental health but were uncertain if it impairs treatment for depression or prevents anxiety. Participants believed MC can treat depression and/or anxiety. The Google keyword 'CBD oil' is most popular when seeking cannabis information and provides misinformation.   CONCLUSION: Australians are exposed to misinformation about MC online, explaining why participants believed that MC could treat anxiety and/or depression and why there is a reduction in the belief that RC is harmful to mental health. Health authorities should incorporate search engine optimisation strategies to provide accurate information about cannabis.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1039-8562",
doi="10.1177/1039856220970047",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1039856220970047"
}