3-minute read

In less than a decade, legalisation of cannabis for medical reasons has spread from a few countries to over 50, yet nuanced and informed discussions remain rare, with polarised debates remaining the norm. For people who have found it to be beneficial, evidenced-based conversations and research about its relationship with mental health are essential. This is especially true for marginalised community groups, like those experiencing homelessness, addiction or long-term mental health issues.

Combating stigma with stories of lived experience

Cannabis use continues to be wrapped up in societal stigma, overshadowed by historical prejudices tied to racism and classism. This stigma not only impacts individuals' willingness to discuss and explore cannabis-based treatments openly, but also skews public opinion and policy decisions in an absence of evidence. The narrative is often disproportionately focused on negative outcomes associated with cannabis use, such as this recent BBC News article, overshadowing research where cannabis is used as a harm reduction practice or where its risk profile is set in context alongside alcohol, prescription and illicit drug use.

Even the more favourable type of reporting still lends itself to backing a clinically traditional perspective, such as this other BBC News article.

Research into the therapeutic use of cannabis is often narrowly focused on clinical outcomes, overlooking the lived experiences of individuals for whom cannabis can represent a beacon of hope. In media narratives, emphasis often leans towards providing figures that support potential risks and stories of tragedy, rather than exploring balanced evidence that includes positive outcomes. This skewed portrayal further entrenches stigma and inhibits a more comprehensive understanding of cannabis' role in health and society. People use cannabis, that is a fact. The stigma of its use prevents us from further understandings its impact, good and bad. The UK is specifically a strange place when it comes to cannabis and an excellent example of the complexity of the environment and culture. They are one of the largest medical producers but are becoming an outlier internationally in its criminalisation. Peer research is a leading method Habitus has deployed to gather high-quality evidence in this complex, politically charged environment.

Empowering voices through peer-led research

Habitus Collective worked for the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) to support a peer-led participatory action research project aimed at understanding cannabis' effects on mental health among some of society’s most marginalised groups, including individuals experiencing substance use issues, homelessness, and poverty. Our approach emphasised the empowerment of these communities through the involvement of peer outreach workers, enabling invaluable insights to surface from lived experiences.

By building the capacities of peer outreach workers, we facilitated an avenue for authentic, nuanced insights that traditional research methodologies might otherwise miss. These individuals, armed with their experiences and the comprehensive training we provided, played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and stigma, facilitating conversations that revealed the complex relationship between cannabis use and mental health among marginalised populations.

Uncovering deep insights

The insights garnered from this project were profound, illuminating how cannabis functions within the lives of those facing extreme marginalisation. Our approach led to the co-development of an accessible online space where the research lives for people to learn and share the results and findings of the research.

The project exemplified how peer-led research can uncover deep insights into complex issues like cannabis use and mental health. Habitus' work with MHCC highlights the critical role of lived experience in shaping a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective discourse around cannabis.

Moving forward

As we continue to navigate the intricacies of research and policy on difficult topics, the voices of those most affected must lead the conversation. By continuing to champion peer-led methodologies, Habitus remains committed to uncovering truths that can inform better practices, policies, and perspectives on mental health, physical health and social care issues.

It was a fascinating project to be part of. By working closely with MHCC and peer researchers, we helped to debunk myths, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more nuanced understanding of cannabis, particularly its role in mental health and wellbeing.

Habitus is proud to be a leader in peer research as a method in evaluation and research.

You can find out more about the MHCC project in our case study here:

https://www.habituscollective.co.uk/mhcc

At Habitus, we have helped develop and design successful evaluation and research projects for various charities, health organisations and businesses both in the UK and internationally. Find out how we can help your organisation do likewise and for other types of support we offer by clicking the button below.

We are accomplished in peer research, co-production, system change, action-based and anti-oppressive research and evaluation. We are experts in helping organisations to engage wider community participation in their projects so that their work is more inclusive and impactful. Through this approach we are dedicated to increasing lived experience leadership.