A new pilot study by UBC Okanagan and the University of Thompson Rivers examined how much medically supervised use of cannabis in a home house can support people in treatment for substance challenges.
Participants reported that cannabis helped them manage symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression and sleep that can complicate recovery.
Our findings show that medical cannabis could play an important role in reducing desires and improving conservation in recovery programs.
Participants have clearly shown benefits in managing both physical and psychological challenges during recovery. ”
Dr. Zach Walsh, Professor of Psychology at UBC Okanagan and co-owner
Users also reported reduced desires for opioids and other harmful substances, improved pain management and enhanced mental health and sleep quality.
However, the stigma surrounding cannabis remains a major obstacle, according to the research.
Personnel interviews have revealed the need for increased education and better integration into the approach of hemp treatment.
“Reductioning stigma through targeted training for the program staff is critical,” says Dr. Floriann Fehr, researcher and nursing professor at Thompson Rivers University.
“Staff skepticism often comes from misunderstandings about cannabis as legal medical care, underlining a clear opportunity to improve recovery support.”
The study, recently published in Journal of Alcohol and Drug StudiesIt was conducted by researchers from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University.
This collaboration between the Kelowna and Kamloops institutions has sought to better understand the experiences of patients and staff with medically supervised cannabis use in a supportive recovery environment.
He examined the experiences of patients and staff at the Maverick Supportive Recovery, a residential rehabilitation center in the internal BC.
Housing rehabilitation centers provide structured, living environments where people receive treatment and support for the management of substance use disorders.
While the results are very promising, researchers emphasize the need for larger scale studies to fully evaluate the benefits and risks of integrating cannabis into substance rehabilitation programs.
This study was funded by the Coalition of Internal Universities and the BC Ministry of Health. Dr. Fehr is to present the findings to the International Council of Nurses in Helsinki in June.
Tru also designs the cannabis and recovery medical forum on Saturday, April 26th. The forum is open to the public, professionals and researchers on health care and researchers interested in cannabis solutions and recovery solutions.
Source:
Magazine report:
Fehr, FC, et al. (2025). Medical cannabis uses the care standard in a residential recovery program: a pilot study. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Studies. doi.org/10.15288/jsad.24-00224.
