Legalization of cannabis in Canada—Local media analysis

Sorensen, James L.; Draanen, Jenna van; Shingle, Mallory

doi:10.1111/ajad.13263

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 13 publications

(17 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Cannabis policies in Canada have received significant media coverage (Abalo, 2019; Asquith, 2021a, 2021b; Aversa et al, 2021; Gagnon et al, 2020; Sorensen et al, 2022). Historically, mainstream journalistic print media have focused coverage on essential issues in the zeitgeist; the media can raise awareness and educate the general public through the amount, tone, and tenor of the news reported (Islam & Fitzgerald, 2016).…”

Section: Research Context and Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rollin’ papers: Newspaper coverage of cannabis legalization in Canada

Aversa¹,

Cleave²,

Jacobson³

et al. 2023

Newspaper Research Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

With Canada becoming the first G20 country to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, there has been increasing interest in the emergence of this new marketplace. Newspaper framing helps to shape public opinion on legalization and news sources play a role in determining how the public perceives the use of cannabis. This research analyzes how mainstream newspapers reported on the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in the years before and after legalization (between 2016 and 2019). Using a content analysis of 1,390 cannabis-related articles, 11 dominant reporting themes are identified. Over time, there was a shift from negative and sensationalist cannabis news coverage toward more balanced and progressive framing. The findings identify the influence of editorial political stance on thematic coverage.

show abstract

Section: Research Context and Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rollin’ papers: Newspaper coverage of cannabis legalization in Canada

Aversa¹,

Cleave²,

Jacobson³

et al. 2023

Newspaper Research Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Second, they access cannabis via a middle-ground option (i.e., VCBC) that operates outside the government-run medical program and the government-sanctioned recreational market. Third, VCBC members smoke CTP, which poses a challenge because of smoking-free regulations and cannabis-specific regulations that came into effect following cannabis legalization ( Gagnon et al, 2020 ; Sorensen et al, 2021 ). Conceptually , we wanted to explore ways of thinking more broadly about the experience of people who smoke CTP and the role of cannabis consumption spaces.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“The Box Has Become an Indispensable Part of My Life”: A Case Study of Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club and its Consumption Space

Gagnon

Payne

Walsh

et al. 2023

Contemporary Drug Problems

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Community-based models of cannabis cultivation, distribution, and consumption—such as cannabis clubs—have been documented across Europe, North America, South America, and New Zealand since the 1990s. For the most part, these models have a history of operating outside existing legislation and regulations. Jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis have approached community-based models in opposite ways (eliminate vs. regulate). Canada legalizing cannabis has resulted in more stringent enforcement and concerted efforts to close these models despite documented health and social benefits. This paper presents a case study of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) and its consumption space—The Box. We conducted a survey of VCBC members to explore four domains: demographics, cannabis consumption, access to and use of The Box, and the impact of its temporary closure due to COVID-19. From the survey data ( n = 104), descriptive statistics were generated and three conceptual avenues were identified. The majority of respondents were 40 years old and older and identified as White (European descent) cisgendered men and women. The majority reported an income of $40,000 or less and a housing status that prevented them from smoking. Close to 75% of our sample consumed cannabis multidaily for therapeutic purposes primarily, but also for a mix of recreation, social, spiritual, and traditional healing purposes. Smoking was the preferred mode of consumption. Respondents accessed The Box daily or weekly. Reasons and benefits for using The Box fell into three categories: public health, harm reduction, and wellness perspectives. Conceptually, we found that The Box acted as a therapeutic space and offered a much-needed consumption space for smokers. We also identified a need to unpack the concept of safety. Overall, the survey reinforces the need for an equity-informed approach to community-based models and cannabis consumption spaces in Canada.

show abstract