A scoping review of 152 studies found Indigenous populations have disproportionately higher cannabis use, with most research focused on prevalence rather than culturally appropriate interventions or legalization impacts.
Indigenous health researchers, public health professionals, policymakers addressing health disparities, and community leaders navigating cannabis legalization.
What the researchers found
Most of the 152 reviewed studies focused on prevalence and use patterns, followed by risk/protective factors and substance co-use correlations. Research on culturally appropriate interventions and cannabis legalization impacts in Indigenous communities was notably sparse.
Why it matters
Indigenous communities face disproportionate cannabis-related harms alongside historical trauma and systemic barriers. Without culturally grounded research, policies and interventions may miss the mark or cause additional harm.
The numbers in context
1,934 articles screened, 152 included. Most focused on youth, used quantitative methods, and discussed cannabis within broader substance use. Covered 2005-2020 literature.
How the study worked
Scoping review screening 1,934 articles published 2005-2020 on Indigenous populations and cannabis use in Canada and the US, with 152 systematically coded and analyzed.
What this study cannot tell us
Literature search ended February 2020, missing recent legalization impacts. Most included studies were not community-led. Scoping review methodology doesn't assess evidence quality.
How to read the evidence
Comprehensive scoping review of a large literature base, though limited by included studies' quality and the 2020 search cutoff.
When this study was published
Published recently but covers literature through early 2020 — post-legalization impacts need updated review.
The bigger picture
Cannabis legalization is proceeding without adequate understanding of its specific impact on Indigenous communities. This review highlights the research gap and the need for community-led studies that center Indigenous perspectives and sovereignty.
Questions still open
- How has cannabis legalization specifically affected Indigenous communities in Canada and legal US states? What would culturally appropriate cannabis harm reduction look like?
Common questions
Do Indigenous communities have higher cannabis use?
Are there cannabis programs designed for Indigenous communities?
Read the original research
Experiences, impacts, and perspectives of recreational cannabis use among Indigenous communities: A scoping review.
Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 39(4), 354-364
Citation
Zentner, Daysi; Dobischok, Sophia; DeGrace, Sarah; Wen, Rou Angele; Wendt, Dennis C. (2025). Experiences, impacts, and perspectives of recreational cannabis use among Indigenous communities: A scoping review.. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 39(4), 354-364. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0001073