Clearing the smoke about cannabis

Depending on whom you talk to, the facts about cannabis can get a bit hazy. With the scheduled legalization of cannabis in July 2018 by the federal government, for many people it is the right time to learn about how cannabis may affect their life.

On Feb. 6, four UCalgary researchers will come together at a campus forum to share research-based evidence about various aspects of cannabis, including usage, its impact on health and the implications of the legislation on the campus and broader community. Co-hosted by the Campus Mental Health Strategy and the SU Wellness Centre, the event is open to anyone interested.

“With the legalization of cannabis, the context of its use is radically altered. This is an exciting and critical opportunity to hear a number of current research perspectives and engage in a dialogue with other UCalgary community members,” says Debbie Bruckner, senior director of the SU Wellness Centre.

Dr. Fiona Clement, Dr. Rebecca Haines-Saah, Dr. Matthew Hill and Dr. Chris Wilkes will each share research from their area of expertise, followed by a moderated question period with Kathy Le from CTV News, where guests will be encouraged to ask questions of particular importance to them.

Clement is an assistant professor and the director of the Health Technology Assessment Unit in the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, a policy responsive research unit. Haines-Saah is an assistant professor of Community Health, examining public health and cannabis policies. Hill is an associate professor in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, working to understand the role of endocannabinoids system in neural functioning and behavior. Wilkes is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and its division head for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions.

“We want to provide a forum on research evidence that exists on cannabis, from its effect on health to legal and policy implications. Afterwards, I hope participants will be better able to navigate and evaluate information in the media to be better informed on how the legalization of cannabis will affect themselves and the community,” says Andrew Szeto, director of the Campus Mental Health Strategy.

Clearing The Smoke is open to the public and takes place in the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning on Feb. 6. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Registration is encouraged.