Knowledge Resources & Publications

ISBN (Print) :978-1-77368-376-8 | ISBN (Online) :978-1-77368-377-5

Regine Halseth and Natalie Cappe

Knowledge, perspectives, and use of cannabis among Indigenous populations in Canada in the context of cannabis legalization: A review of literature

March 2023

The legalization of cannabis on October 17, 2018 offers Indigenous communities, many of which continue to experience the ongoing effects of colonization, the potential to change their trajectories. With billions of dollars expected to be generated in the cannabis industry, cannabis legalization provides a pathway for economic self-determination, and enables revenues to be used to expand employment opportunities, enhance community infrastructure and spaces, strengthen community social and health services, and increase community self-sufficiency. However, cannabis legalization also poses potential risks to public health and safety which must be balanced against economic opportunity to ensure existing health inequities in Indigenous communities are not further accentuated. The ability of Indigenous communities to exercise self-determination in how they wish to engage with cannabis legalization is vital to ensure their values, priorities, and concerns around cannabis are not superseded by outside interests. This issue of self-determination is grounded in legal documents and precedents, and consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s recommendations for advancing reconciliation; yet is conspicuously absent from the current cannabis legislative framework.

The report, Knowledge, perspectives, and use of cannabis among Indigenous populations in Canada in the context of cannabis legalization: A review of the literature, explores the diverse knowledge(s), perspectives, and uses of cannabis among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. This information informs the values, priorities, and concerns Indigenous communities have about cannabis as they strive to achieve a balance between economic opportunity and health and wellness. Discussion is organized into four key themes: 1) Cannabis Use and Health and Wellness in Indigenous Communities; 2) The Cannabis Industry as an Economic Generator; 3) Self-Determination and Reconciliation; and 4) Cannabis Legalization, Social Justice, and Social Equity. This is followed by a discussion of key knowledge gaps that must be addressed in designing culturally relevant and high-quality public health initiatives in Indigenous communities. The paper concludes with a list of cannabis tools and resources that might be useful in Indigenous communities.

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