Rielle Capler

Adjunct Professor, MHA, PhD

Dr. Rielle Capler holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Health Administration. Dr. Capler’s research interests focus on drug policy and cannabis, including instrumental uses of cannabis and policy implications for equitable access. In her position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Capler is working with Dr. M-J Milloy, who is leading observational and experimental research into the public health impact of cannabis regulation and the therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids.

Dr. Capler’s work draws on her extensive front line experience at Canada’s first medical cannabis dispensary, and her previous research exploring patients’ experiences of accessing medical cannabis and the use of legal and illegal sources of cannabis, which employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In an effort to support the inclusion of marginalized voices in policy decisions, Dr. Capler has also engaged in patient advocacy and has acted as a co-founder and advisor to several non-governmental organizations representing various facets of the cannabis industry, and has participated in government consultations related to medical and non-medical cannabis legalization and regulation.