Grant: Catalyst Grant: Cannabis and Mental Health - Veterans

Medical cannabis (MC) use among Canadian Armed Forces Veterans has increased dramatically over the past several years as they suffer from a number of conditions that might be treated with MC, including chronic pain, anxiety, mood disorders, and stress. Many of these conditions can also be treated increasing daily physical activity, mindful relaxation, strategies to improve sleep quality, etc. To date, there is little research evaluating how to optimize the potential synergies between MC and healthy lifestyle habits. This study will include: 1. A survey of MC use among Canadian Veterans 2. A systematic evaluation of self-reported MC treatment benefits and complications among Veterans, 3. Development and pilot testing of specific lifestyle strategies that might reduce the need for MC or at least provide improve the interactions between MC and regular exercise, relaxation techniques, strategies for improving sleep quality, etc. The primary challenge is engaging individuals to change lifestyle habits through education, tracking, and feedback. Reaching individuals who live in small towns or rural areas is an additional challenge. Online digital health promotion is one possible solution. Currently, members of our team have received funding from the Veterans and Families Wellbeing Fund to develop an online health promotion program to Veterans and their families. The Missionvav.com (Mission Veterans Actif/Active Veterans) program was launched one year ago and now has over 1,000 participants across the country. This project will be driven by with input from current Missionvav participants. It will also include the input from the medical leadership from Veterans Affairs Canada. At the end of one year we will have a user-friendly disease management section, customized to the specific health needs of Veterans and their families. Initially, the focus will be on the role of cannabis and healthy lifestyle habits for managing mental health problems and chronic pain.