Researcher profile

Megan Weier

I'm a researcher with an interest in drug policy, qualitative and mixed methods research, and constructionist explorations of modern understandings of what it means to be an adult. I completed my PhD through the University of Queensland School of Psychology, focused on the Theory of Emerging Adulthood. My thesis became a critical and discursive exploration of how developmental theories can be used as a political tool to monitor and silence what it means to be a 'good' young adult or member of society. During my PhD I became a research assistant at the Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research. It was here that I became interested in drug policy debate, particularly around alcohol advertising and lock-out law regulations, and discussions of the legalisation of both recreational and medical cannabis use. I am interested in exploring the construction of what constitutes 'evidence' on a deeper level - what do medical practitioners see as being evidence? What about patient advocates? These are relevant and interesting questions as Australia moves forward with its medical cannabis legislations.