Last week, Health Canada released the results of the 2023 Canadian Cannabis Survey, providing valuable insight into the evolving landscape of cannabis use in the country. Conducted annually since 2017, the survey aims to shed light on how Canadians view and engage with cannabis, providing crucial data to monitor and shape national regulation under the Cannabis Act.
Cannabis use among young people
The survey revealed a stable picture of cannabis use among young Canadians aged 16 to 19. In 2023, 43% of them reported having used cannabis in the last 12 months, which represents an increase compared to 2022 and 2018. This rate, however, remained comparable to that of 2019 and 2020.
The stability of overall cannabis use across all age groups, particularly daily or near-daily use, has persisted since 2018 and remains around 25%. The percentage of young Canadians regularly using cannabis has remained stable at around 20%.
The percentage of Canadians deemed “high risk” due to their cannabis use is also stable, around 3% since 2018.
The decline in cannabis consumption through combustion is notable. In 2023, smoking remains predominant (63%), but alternative methods are gaining popularity, notably edibles (52%) and vaping (33%). This change highlights a diversification of consumption habits, perhaps influenced by changes in product availability and consumer preferences.
Impacts of legalization
The number of Canadians accessing cannabis from legal sources increased from 37% in 2019 to 73% in 2023, still increasing compared to 2021. Legal stores have emerged as the main source of supply since 2019. The study believes that the increasing accessibility of legal options and the standardization of regulated cannabis outlets are the main factors.
The percentage of Canadians driving after recent cannabis use fell from 27% in 2018 to 16% in 2021 and has not changed since, suggesting increased awareness of the potential risks associated with driving under the influence. influence of cannabis and adherence to responsible consumption practices.
Approximately 11,690 respondents aged 16 and over participated in the survey across all provinces and territories. Data collection covered various themes, including knowledge, attitudes and opinions; cannabis use and products; sources and purchase; assessment of high-risk cannabis use; accidental consumption and adverse effects; driving and cannabis; and cannabis for medical purposes.
In 2023, the survey expanded its scope to include new topics, such as reporting and occurrence of adverse reactions, identifying legal sources, knowing cannabis packaging requirements and an alternative assessment tool to measure harmful cannabis use.
