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Understanding Cannabis as a Harm Reduction and Recovery Tool: A Self-Reported Study on Substance Use and Trauma Recovery

The opioid and alcohol epidemics, coupled with widespread mental health and trauma challenges, have created an urgent need for innovative and accessible recovery strategies. Harm reduction approaches, which aim to minimize the negative consequences of substance use rather than requiring immediate abstinence, have gained traction as an effective public health tool.

 

Simultaneously, anecdotal and emerging scientific evidence suggests that cannabis may play a supportive role in reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and improving mental health outcomes among individuals recovering from substance use and trauma. Despite its growing popularity, the use of cannabis as a recovery tool remains under-researched.

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This study seeks to fill this gap by collecting self-reported data from individuals who have integrated cannabis into their harm reduction and recovery journeys. The findings aim to provide insights into the potential benefits, challenges, and lived experiences of this population, ultimately informing public health initiatives and harm reduction strategies.

How to Participate

Liability Waiver and Consent Agreement

While the data collected will be analyzed without any identifiers, all participants must sign a liability waiver & maybe contacted for follow-up.

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  • Adults aged 21 and older who have self-reported using cannabis as part of their harm reduction and recovery efforts.

  • Participants must have at least six months of experience integrating cannabis into their recovery journey.

Self-Assessment Survey

Data will be anonymized to protect identities, and participants will have access to support resources if discussing their experiences causes distress. While the study is not affiliated with an academic institution or requires IRB approval, ethical research standards will guide all processes.

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Access to study is at the end of the
Liability Waiver and Consent Agreement.

Thank you. 

Expected Outcomes

The study aims to:

  • Provide evidence on the effectiveness of cannabis in reducing harmful substance use and managing trauma-related mental health challenges.

  • Offer insights into how individuals navigate stigma and barriers when using cannabis for recovery.

  • Contribute to the development of inclusive harm reduction strategies that recognize cannabis as a potential recovery tool

Timeline

Jan-Feb 2025

Finalize materials, recruit participants
 

Mar-Apr 2025

Begin data collection (surveys and interviews)
 

May-Jun 2025

Complete data collection, begin data analysis
 

Jul-Aug 2025

Complete analysis, draft reports
 

Sep-Oct 2025

Disseminate findings

Significance

By documenting the experiences of individuals who have turned to cannabis as a harm reduction and recovery tool, this study will contribute valuable knowledge to the fields of addiction recovery, mental health, and public health. The findings can inform policies and practices aimed at supporting diverse recovery pathways and reducing the stigma associated with non-traditional approaches.

Have questions? 

Email Pam at pam@lbpecc.org

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PEER EDUCATION COMMUNITY CENTER

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