Cannabis

Investigating the ‘skunk’ smell and other emissions caused by cannabis production

What exactly causes that ‘skunky’ odour emitted by cannabis production facilities, and what do these emissions mean for air quality, workers, and the general public?

Feb 15, 2022

Before cannabis was legalized, 3.8 per cent of drivers had blood THC concentrations above the Canadian legal driving limit of 2 nanograms/ml. That percentage rose to 8.6 per cent after legalization.

More Canadians may be driving high since cannabis legalization: UBC study

THC is being detected in twice as many injured drivers since cannabis was legalized in Canada, according to new UBC research published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Jan 13, 2022

It’s not recommended for people during preconception to use cannabis, to avoid any potential early exposure to the baby. Credit: Unsplash

B.C. saw a dramatic increase in pre-conception cannabis use after legalization

Cannabis use among women who were about to conceive children nearly doubled following B.C.’s legalization of cannabis in 2018, a new study from UBC finds.

Mar 24, 2021

Majority of cannabis use in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for therapeutic purposes, may also reduce opioid overdose risk

Most people at high risk of overdose in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who use cannabis do so for pain relief and other therapeutic reasons—and they may be at lower risk of overdosing on opioids as a result, suggests new research.

May 26, 2020

Daily cannabis use lowers odds of using illicit opioids among people who have chronic pain

For those using illicit opioids to manage their chronic pain, cannabis may be a beneficial – and a less dangerous – alternative, according to new research from the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU).

Nov 19, 2019

Cannabis could help alleviate depression and suicidality among people with PTSD

Cannabis may be helping Canadians cope with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests.

Nov 5, 2019

Multiphoton microscopy image of stalked glandular trichome. Credit: Samuels Lab/UBC

The frostier the flower, the more potent the cannabis

Cannabis flowers with the most mushroom-shaped hairs pack the biggest cannabinoid and fragrance punch, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.

Oct 28, 2019

Teens prefer harm reduction messaging on substance use

A new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia and University of Calgary found that when it comes to substance use, a harm reduction message resonated the most with teens, instead of the typical “don’t do drugs” talk.

Apr 25, 2019

Some pregnant women don’t believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus

Up to one-third of pregnant women do not believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus, according to a new review by UBC researchers.

Jan 22, 2019

UBC experts available for comment on cannabis legalization

Canada will legalize non-medical cannabis on October 17, 2018, the second nation in the world to do so, and the first G7 nation. UBC experts are available for comment on several topics related to the legalization of marijuana in Canada.

Oct 15, 2018

UBC experts on recreational cannabis legalization

The Senate voted Tuesday to pass Bill C-45—the government’s legislation to legalize cannabis—meaning that recreational cannabis will soon be legal across Canada.

Jun 20, 2018

UBC experts on B.C. marijuana legalization framework

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth has outlined B.C’s next steps in the legalization of recreational marijuana. UBC experts are available to comment.

Sep 25, 2017

Researchers identify genes that give cannabis its flavour

UBC scientists have scanned the genome of cannabis plants to find the genes responsible for giving various strains their lemony, skunky or earthy flavours, an important step for the budding legal cannabis industry.

Mar 29, 2017

THC makes rats lazy, less willing to try cognitively demanding tasks: UBC study

New research from the University of British Columbia suggests there may be some truth to the belief that marijuana use causes laziness— at least in rats.

Aug 23, 2016

UBC research aims to clear the haze on cannabis use in Canada

As Canada prepares for the expected legalization of cannabis, a new study will examine cannabis use and provide clear guidance for creating regulations and policies.

Apr 19, 2016

UBC experts available for comment on medical marijuana ruling

A Federal Court judge has struck down regulations that restricted the rights of medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis.

Feb 24, 2016

Botanists conduct first large-scale genetic study of marijuana, hemp

A study by Canadian researchers is providing a clearer picture of the evolutionary history and genetic organization of cannabis, a step that could have agricultural, medical and legal implications for this valuable crop.

Aug 26, 2015

Medical cannabis company donates $1 million to explore plant’s healing potential

Medical marijuana producer National Green Biomed Ltd. has committed $1 million to UBC to allow researchers to study the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

Jun 8, 2015

Donation supports research into therapeutic effects of cannabis

UBC will announce a donation to support research to examine the medicinal effects of marijuana use.

Jun 5, 2015

UBC researchers aim to find out how patients are accessing medical marijuana

One year ago, UBC nursing professor Lynda Balneaves and PhD student Rielle Capler launched the Cannabis Access Regulations Study, (CANARY), to investigate how the end of homegrown medical marijuana would affect patients.

Apr 17, 2015