On the use of digital technologies to reduce the public health impacts of cannabis legalization in Canada

Abstract

The imminent legalization of recreational cannabis represents a considerable public health challenge that requires proactive measures to ensure a responsible transition. The federal government recognizes the need for strict regulation to reduce cannabis-related health harms, notably among the youth. Additionally, the government plans to oversee a national public awareness campaign as part of a harm-reduction strategy. In light of the public health risks of cannabis legalization, this paper proposes the implementation of increasingly popular, evidence-based, preventive, and therapeutic digital interventions to minimize the harms of this policy among adolescents and young adults. These E-health interventions facilitate healthcare delivery, improve patient care, and overcome stigmatization, especially in the context of substance abuse. Therefore, we argue that a continuum of digital tools, including prevention programs, educational material, and therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing risky consumption of cannabis, should be embraced as part of a comprehensive public health strategy by the federal government in anticipation of legalization later this year.