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Our counselling service, delivered as part of the Cannabis Intervention Requirement (CIR) scheme across Western Australia, is for anyone aged 14 years or older found in possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis.

About the program

The Cannabis Intervention Requirement program provides early and brief interventions for individuals who have been found in possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis or a smoking implement by the WA Police.

Our counsellors provide counselling sessions of up to 90 minutes, providing a range of support including psychoeducation, harm-minimisation and relapse prevention strategies to help participants:

  • explore their current use of cannabis
  • consider what changes they may be able to make
  • reduce the risk of criminal convictions and associated negative outcomes.

How it works

When someone has been caught by police in possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis or a smoking implement, the police will assess whether they are eligible for a Cannabis Intervention Requirement. If the person is eligible, they must contact the Cannabis Intervention Program booking service to schedule their appointment at their chosen location within 28 days.

Once an individual has attended their appointment and completed the requirement, we advise the WA Police and booking service. Nothing else is required of the individual and they will not receive a criminal conviction. If the individual fails to complete the requirement, they must attend court.

 

FAQs

What if I have completed a CIR session and get caught again?

If an individual is under 18 years of age, they will be given two opportunities to complete a Cannabis Intervention session, meaning that if they have completed one and then get caught again, the police can offer a second opportunity. If the individual gets caught again having completed two CIR sessions, they will receive a summons to court.

Individuals over the age of 18 (who have previously completed one or two CIR sessions while under the age of 18) have one final opportunity to complete a CIR session.

Individuals over the age of 18 that have already completed a CIR session (after they turned 18) will no longer be eligible to attend a CIR session. If they are caught with any amount of cannabis, they will receive a summons to court and face a criminal conviction.

What if I choose not to attend or forget to attend?

Participants have 28 days to complete the CIR session. If they cannot complete the session within this time, they may apply in writing to the WA Police for an extension – they may be granted one if they can provide proof of extenuating circumstances.

Once the 28-day period has expired, anyone who has not completed their CIR session or been granted an extension will be prosecuted through the courts.

Is this a group session? Is this a lecture telling me not to use cannabis?

Cannabis Intervention sessions are individual counselling sessions that can last up to 90 minutes. Our team employs a harm-reduction approach – the aim is not to lecture the individual but to provide the support the individual needs to assess their current use of cannabis and explore any changes they may wish to make. In other words, the counsellor will offer participants information and strategies that can help them reduce or stop their current use.

What happens if I decide I need further support to make changes?

At the end of our sessions, the counsellor will offer to arrange ongoing support. Alternatively, participants can ask their counsellor about ongoing support or speak with reception to request further sessions.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

We ask participants to bring their Cannabis Intervention Requirement paperwork (provided by the WA Police) and photo identification (a current driver’s licence, a current passport, an 18+ identification card or another approved form of photo ID).

 

People issued with a CIR must contact the Cannabis Intervention Session Booking Service to arrange their mandatory Cannabis Intervention Session (CIS) within 28 days. Please call the Booking Service on 1800 722 362, 7:00am-7:00pm, 7 days a week.

 

Electronic brochures with further information on the Cannabis Intervention Requirement and the Cannabis Intervention Session are available here.

 

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