Public Health Innovation: Transforming Cannabis Education for Frontline Providers

Client: Canadian Public Health Association

When the Canadian Public Health Association needed to modernize their cannabis education platform, they turned to Dr. Bear to reimagine their approach entirely. Rather than simply updating existing content, we worked collaboratively to transform Cannabasics from an information repository into a comprehensive harm reduction tool designed for real-world application by frontline health and social service providers.

The challenge was significant: how do you equip healthcare professionals to have meaningful, non-stigmatizing conversations about cannabis with their clients? Our solution went beyond traditional knowledge translation. We conducted extensive research to identify gaps in provider knowledge, analyzed the language barriers that prevented effective client engagement, and developed a framework that embedded harm reduction principles throughout the educational experience. The result was a 20-page resource that doesn't just inform providers about cannabis—it empowers them to support their clients' wellbeing through evidence-based, compassionate care. The tool has become a cornerstone resource for healthcare professionals across Canada, demonstrating how thoughtful redesign can transform educational materials into practical instruments for positive health outcomes.