Is the employment status of Australians related to cannabis use in the past 12 months?

Australians who are unemployed are the most likely to have used cannabis in the past 12 months. Those not in the labour force are the least likely to have used cannabis in the past 12 months.

13% of employed Australians used cannabis in the past 12 months, compared to 19% of unemployed Australians and 7% of Australians who are not in the labour force.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.

Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.

Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.

Unemployed: Not currently working and actively seeking employment.