Public Documents and Legislation: Editorial Comment

On 14th September, 1972, the Minister for Social Services introduced into the House of Representatives “A Bill for an Act to provide for assistance by the Commonwealth towards the provision by certain Organizations of Hostels as Homes for Aged Persons”. This Bill, now enacted into law, was the logical extension of a process which began as an election promise in 1954 by offering a 1: 1 subsidy for the building of approved homes for the aged. The subsidy was increased to 2 : 1 in 1957 and the latest provision offers money to approved homes without requiring any contribution from them.     

Comment

In several anonymous questionnaire studies of college students, marijuana use has been reported to affect sexual behavior. In general, these studies show that marijuana smoking enhances sexual pleasure and increases sexual desire. Marijuana use has also been associated with more frequent sexual activity and an increased number of sexual partners. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived effects of marijuana use on the sexual behavior and sexual practices of a sample of regular marijuana .users. In contrast to other studies, subjects were not drawn exclusively from college student populations and were interviewed rather than given a questionnaire. Results, in general, confirm results of previous studies. Subjects were primarily heterosexual and sexually active. Men were more likely than women to have had multiple sexual partners. Over two thirds reported increased sexual pleasure and satisfaction with marijuana. Increased desire for a familiar sexual partner was reported by about one half. The sensations of touch and taste were particularly enhanced by marijuana. Many felt marijuana was an aphrodisiac. Marijuana use in relation to initiation of sexual activity was also assessed. Although drug use occurred prior to first intercourse for about one third of the men and women, alcohol, not marijuana, was most frequently used in this context. Most had used marijuana as a preparation for intercourse on occasion, and 20% did this on a regular basis. Possible explanations for these effects are briefly discussed.