Image Credit: UBC Okanagan

By Victor Kaisar

Medical Cannabis

TRU forum to explore ‘evolving role’ of medical cannabis in harm reduction and addiction treatment

Apr 26, 2025 | 11:25 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University is holding a free forum Saturday (April 26) evening that will feature experts discussing how medical cannabis may be used to treat addiction.

TRU said the forum, Medical Cannabis and Recovery, is open to the public, health-care professionals and researchers who are interested in cannabis and recovery solutions. It will explore the “evolving role” of cannabis in harm reduction and addiction care.

“We invite everyone to discover a novel approach to the toxic drug crisis with a team of lived-experience experts, physicians, researchers and health-care providers who study new ways to reduce harm and save lives,” said Dr. Florriann Fehr, an associate professor in the TRU School of Nursing.

Ferh, the principal investigator on the Maverick Research Project, is leading the forum.

“The Maverick study was formed on the belief that people matter and deserve robust and effective pathways out of addiction,” Fehr added. “This team has developed a unique approach to substance use and recovery which combines medical cannabis with supported recovery services.”

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Fehr will be joined by a number of other guest speakers that include physicians, clinical counsellors, research scientists, professors as well as representatives from the Ask Wellness Society.

“I’m deeply grateful to the lived experience experts on our team. These scientists are on the front lines of new advancements in treating substance use, working together to help everyone affected by the toxic drug supply,” Michael Koehn, a registered clinical counsellor and founder of the CannSolve Clinic said.

Those interested in attending are being asked to register online to accommodate seating.

The free event will take place between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Alumni Theatre at the TRU Clock Tower building.

More information on the event, including a list of guest speakers and topics that will be covered, can be found here.