Opinion: 1 in 7 Canadians use cannabis for medicinal purposes, yet they are labelled as irresponsible ‘potheads.’

Health Canada just released the results of its 2020 Canadian Cannabis Survey, noting that a whopping 27 per cent of Canadians had used cannabis in the last year. Approximately half of those surveyed stated that they used cannabis for medical purposes, with rates of usage particularly high among people reporting poor or fair mental health.

These findings overlap with the existing research which indicates that a substantial number of people with mental illness use cannabis therapeutically to manage symptoms such as anxiety, sleep issues and chronic pain. Such medicinal usage can reduce suffering, as cannabis contains analgesic properties that are generally effective and safe when used in moderation.

– Read the entire article at Vancouver Sun.