A recent pilot study conducted by UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University explored the potential benefits of medically supervised cannabis use in a residential recovery home for individuals undergoing treatment for substance use challenges. The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, aimed to investigate how cannabis could support individuals in managing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues during the recovery process.
Participants in the study reported that cannabis helped them alleviate various symptoms, including pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which are common challenges faced by individuals in recovery. Dr. Zach Walsh, a psychology professor at UBC Okanagan and co-lead researcher of the study, highlighted that medical cannabis could play a significant role in reducing cravings and improving retention in recovery programs. The findings suggested that cannabis could assist in managing both physical and psychological challenges experienced during the recovery journey.
Moreover, users reported reduced cravings for opioids and other harmful substances, improved pain management, and enhanced mental health and sleep quality. Despite the positive outcomes observed in the study, researchers noted that stigma surrounding cannabis use remains a significant barrier. Staff members at the residential recovery home expressed a need for increased education and better integration of cannabis treatment approaches to address this stigma effectively.
Dr. Florriann Fehr, co-lead researcher and nursing professor at Thompson Rivers University, emphasized the importance of reducing stigma through targeted education for program staff. Addressing misunderstandings about cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment is crucial to enhancing recovery support and promoting acceptance of medically supervised cannabis use in recovery programs.
The study, conducted at Maverick Supportive Recovery in the BC interior, aimed to better understand patient and staff experiences with medically supervised cannabis use in a supportive recovery environment. While the results of the pilot study are promising, researchers underscore the need for larger-scale studies to fully assess the benefits and risks of incorporating medical cannabis into substance use recovery programs.
For more information, the study titled “Medical Cannabis Use Adjunct to Standard of Care in a Residential Substance Use Recovery Program: A Pilot Study” can be accessed in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. The collaboration between UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University sheds light on the potential of medical cannabis in supporting individuals in recovery and highlights the importance of destigmatizing its use in recovery programs.
Source: University of British Columbia
Reference: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-medical-cannabis-recovery-community-homes.html
