Research - High Hopes Research Society
Research from the programs and partnerships that shaped Flora - on medical cannabis, harm reduction, wellbeing and models of care.
Published - 2026
Goulet-Stock et al. · University of Victoria / CISUR and Ottawa Inner City Health, within the CMAPS research program. High Hopes is not an author on this publication.
A longitudinal mixed-methods evaluation of cannabis substitution within an Ottawa managed alcohol program.
Higher average cannabis use was associated with lower overall alcohol use.
In this study, each additional 0.4 g joint consumed on average was associated with an estimated 2.43 fewer mean daily standard drinks.
Evaluating a Substitution Effect of Medical Cannabis at a Low-barrier Managed Alcohol Program in Vancouver, Canada
A six-month mixed-methods evaluation of High Hopes’ peer-led medical cannabis program in Vancouver, with High Hopes Research Society in the research partnership.
Implementing cannabis as part of care in Managed Alcohol Programs in Canada
An implementation study comparing three different cannabis programs in Vancouver, Victoria and Ottawa.
Conference work
Presented at the 2024 PHABC Conference - “Commercial Determinants of Health: Moving from Harmful to Healthy.”
Culturally Informed Cannabis Substitution to Mitigate Alcohol Industry Impact
Exploring cannabis substitution, participant wellbeing and harm reduction in a culturally informed program.
Peer Researchers as Partners in Cannabis Substitution Research
Examining peer-led research, trust, cultural safety, participant engagement and program delivery.
Select either poster to view it larger.
Research approach
Studies are designed and run inside the programs they examine.
Peer researchers with lived experience collect and interpret data.
Consumption measures alongside interviews about daily life.
Every study proceeds under research ethics board approval.
Our research has been developed through partnerships among community members, peer researchers, health and social-service organizations and academic researchers.
Supported by Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program.
Why it matters
The research behind Flora looks beyond cannabis use alone - tracking sleep, appetite, physical and emotional health, stress, medication changes and healthcare utilization.
