Protruding facts
The use of cannabis for health self -management purposes is one of the most frequent motivations among people who consume it. Self-management designates the actions taken by an individual to preserve their health or improve their well-being, without it based on medical advice. The objective of this research project was to explore the use of cannabis as a method of self -management of health within the Quebec population consuming this substance. This report presents the results of qualitative interviews conducted with 45 people aged 21 and over, which make such use of cannabis. The main findings are as follows:
- The patterns of use of cannabis for health self-management are multiple: mental health, physical discomfort, alternative to drugs, search for well-being, etc.
- The boundaries between the use of cannabis for health self -management purposes and for recreational purposes are often vague for participating people.
- The use of cannabis is mainly perceived as beneficial for health and not very risky because of its natural origin. However, several people have reported adverse effects, especially when they consume large quantities or daily.
- People using cannabis for health self -management are mainly inquiring about the use of this substance via the Internet, social networks and their loved ones. These individuals retain above all the positive aspects of cannabis, while the negative aspects seem ignored or absent from these sources of information.
- The Quebec Cannabis Society (SQDC) is their main source of supply of cannabis products. However, some participating people believe that information on self -management of cannabis is insufficient.
- Participating people have raised problems with access to psychosocial services and communication with health professionals. They underline, in particular, the lack of information on the use of cannabis in health management, as well as the stigma of people who consume it. They believe that the lack of medical care and the lack of professional support in the use of cannabis can lead to an increase in this use for health self -management.
- The dried and smoked cannabis is the most common mode of consumption, with a preference for that containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with high concentration. Regular use, from three to seven days a week, is common among participating people. Capsules, herbal teas and vaporization, containing more cannabidiol (CBD), are the least used by participating people, but most often chosen by those that use cannabis exclusively for health self -management.
