Researchers to produce evidence on the potential harms and therapeutic uses of cannabis

May 22, 2019 – Calgary, AB

The Government of Canada legalized and regulated the non-medical use of cannabis in October 2018 and established strict regulations to protect the health and safety of Canadians. As part of an ongoing commitment to generating evidence on the health and safety effects of cannabis, the Government is continuing to invest in research and supporting public awareness campaigns to provide Canadians with the facts on cannabis and promote guidelines for lower-risk use.

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced approximately $24.5 million in funding for cannabis research from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and partners. This funding includes support for 26 projects across the country that cover topics such as the use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oil for the treatment of pain and anxiety.

The CIHR funding will also support research teams that will explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis in areas such as cancer, chronic pain, and neurodevelopment. It will also support research that will examine the public health impact of Canada’s new cannabis laws through a $4.5M contribution from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

With $2.85M in support from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, funding will also go towards research aimed at addressing key research gaps regarding cannabis use and mental health.

Minister Blair also announced funding of approximately $390,000 for two cannabis public awareness projects in Alberta funded under Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program. The University of Calgary has received funding to support a cannabis café education and discussion series, led by a harm reduction specialist. These sessions are aimed at helping University of Calgary students learn about the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis use and increasing awareness of Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.

The Alberta Rural Development Network has received funding to support rural communities in educating their populations about cannabis. Funding will allow the Network to work directly with interested communities to develop and disseminate cannabis awareness resources that are targeted to the needs of the community.