title: An Examination of Marijuana Use Among a Vulnerable Population in Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although the perceived risk of cannabis has decreased over the last few years, the contribution of marijuana use to the burden of disease on society is significant. Globally, Indigenous peoples have rates of marijuana use that are significantly higher than that of the general population. Understanding patterns of use is fundamental to developing appropriate policy and programming strategies to improve health and well-being.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study examined the characteristics of respondents who had ever been frequent marijuana users (used more than once a week), among a cross-sectional sample of 340 people, aged 18 and over, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in Ontario, Canada. The research incorporated Aboriginal-specific measures, examining issues related to colonialism and racism. Logistic regression models were used to assess the extent that sociodemographic variables, body mass index, mental health (depression, anxiety), licit substance use (alcohol and tobacco), Historical Loss Scale, Childhood Trauma Scale, and Measure of Indigenous Racism Experience (MIRE) Interpersonal Racism Scale predicted ever having been a frequent marijuana user.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aboriginal-specific issues were not associated with marijuana use nor was marijuana use related to depression or anxiety. However, ever engaging in frequent marijuana use was reported by more than half of the sample and associated with being younger, male, and a smoker.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The high prevalence of frequent marijuana use (53.2 %) suggests normalization of the substance that may indicate a potentially large public health problem.
authors.affiliation: Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) The University of Western Ontario, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Spence
authors.affiliation: Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.affiliation: Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Graham
keywords: Addictions; Canada; Ethnicity; First Nations; Marijuana; Public health; Race; Substance use