This post is presented by our media partner The Growth Op
View the original article here.
The Indigenous-led research is described as among the first of its kind in Canada.

Article content
An Indigenous-led research team at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) is set to examine cannabis use among Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island , the school has announced.
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
In partnership with Woodland Cree First Nation and Indigenous Bloom, an Indigenous cooperative of cannabis retail and cultivation, the research team will look to uncover the impacts of cannabis use since legalization.
-
Indigenous-owned and operated cannabis platform launches on National Indigenous Peoples Day
-
What impact does cannabis use have on Indigenous oral health?
-
Study: Cannabis legalization leading to a decline in opioid prescriptions
Of particular interest is motives of use, especially in regards to pain management or substitution of other substances, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, a study published in the journal, Applied Health Economics and Health Policy , found that legalizing cannabis has led to a “marked decline” in the volume of opioids prescribed across Canada .
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The study authors reached that conclusion after pouring over national prescription claims data from private and public payers between January 2016 and June 2019.
“Our findings support the hypothesis that easier access to cannabis for pain may reduce opioid use for both public and private drug plans,” they wrote.
Similarly, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that increasing access to low-THC, high-CBD products in Italy led to significant decreases in the number of dispensed anxiolytics, sedatives and antipsychotics.
In an interview with UBCO, Dr. Farrell, an adjunct professor in the school’s psychology department, discussed why this new research initiative is unique.
“To date, much of the research on cannabis use has centred on non-Indigenous populations in what is currently called ‘Canada,’ and historically Indigenous Peoples have been excluded in cannabis research,” Dr. Farrell said.
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“Ensuring equity and inclusion in cannabis research is important. When it comes to understanding motives for cannabis use among Indigenous Peoples—including assessing both risk for problematic use and potential benefits of therapeutic use for symptoms of chronic pain, anxiety, sleep and substitution—there is much to learn that can support health and wellness in Indigenous communities and inform public health programming.”
Dr. Farrell noted an increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as record-high opioid-related overdoses.
“We are battling multiple public health emergencies right now and it’s important we know about the impacts of COVID-19 and patterns of substance use in Indigenous populations, and whether as in previous research, cannabis is having a harm reduction benefit,” Dr. Farrell said.
Individuals 18 years or older who identify as First Nations (status/non-status), Inuk or Métis, and are interested in learning about or participating in the project can email walsh.lab@ubc.ca .
Advertisement
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Subscribe to Weekend Dispensary , a new weekly newsletter from The GrowthOp.
This post was originally published by our media partner here.