Cannabis self-management on the rise

Tashi Farmilo

Seventeen per cent of Quebecers aged 15 and over reported using cannabis in the past year, and nearly one-third of them said they did so to manage health problems, according to the Quebec Cannabis Survey (EQC 2023). Anxiety, depression, chronic pain, headaches, and insomnia were the most commonly cited reasons. The survey underscores that while cannabis is often perceived as beneficial, its effects remain complex, with users weighing relief against the risk of dependency, impaired concentration, or worsening symptoms.

The report highlights a gap in scientific literature. Few studies have explored the nuances of cannabis use for self-management: habits, contexts, and the role of professional guidance remain poorly documented. For the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec, which commissioned the study, this lack of evidence points to the need for clearer communication and targeted information for those who turn to cannabis for health reasons.

In the Outaouais, health authorities say the provincial findings reflect what they see on the ground. The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSS) notes that youth in particular sometimes report using cannabis as a form of self-care. Although specific data on ages 12 to 17 are lacking, practitioners encounter young people who describe turning to cannabis to cope with stress, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.

“We often see young people using cannabis to regulate their emotions or manage pain, but it is rarely guided by medical advice,” CISSS said. “For some, it is perceived as a safer or more accessible option than medication, but the potential health impacts are not always well understood.”

CISSS frames its approach around the bio-psycho-social model, which seeks to address not only physical symptoms but also the psychological and social contexts in which cannabis is used. This means interventions are adapted to each individual, with a focus on reducing harm and promoting informed decision-making. Front-line staff often collaborate with doctors, nurses, social workers, and educators, even accompanying clients to medical appointments to ensure continuity of care.

Educational efforts are a central piece of the response. The Semaine de prévention des dépendances reaches youth aged 12 to 24 with evidence-based information on cannabis and other substances. Campaigns such as À deux doigts de ta limite frame cannabis use within broader health and lifestyle choices, while school-based initiatives encourage early reflection on substance use and its impacts.

In 2023, CISSS hosted conferences in the Vallée-de-la-Lièvre that brought together professionals and community members to discuss both recreational and therapeutic cannabis. “What came through strongly in those discussions is that cannabis cannot be reduced to good or bad,” CISSS said. “Young people in particular need nuanced information that takes into account both the potential benefits and the risks.”

The Quebec Cannabis Survey echoes that sentiment, noting that self-care practices are often influenced by peers, family members, and information gleaned from the internet. Many respondents felt the information they had received about cannabis and health management was insufficient.

For CISSS, this gap makes prevention and early intervention even more urgent. Tools such as the DEP-ADO questionnaire are used in schools and youth services to identify problematic use patterns quickly, allowing practitioners to intervene before issues escalate. “The earlier we can provide support, the better the outcomes,” CISSS said.