Canadian Cannabis Use: Young Adults Lead,
Older Generations Follow

New Survey Unpacks Cannabis Trends Among Canadian Age Groups

Summary

Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant trend in cannabis consumption among Canadians, particularly highlighting the discrepancy in usage across various age groups. The findings, which derive from the agency’s annual cannabis use survey, underscore an emergent need for tailored public health strategies that address these disparities.

Remarkably, the survey indicates that cannabis use is notably more prevalent among younger Canadians, with those aged 18 to 24 years leading the usage statistics at 38.4%. This trend follows closely with the 25 to 44 age group, where 34.5% reported cannabis consumption. In stark contrast, the percentage of users drops to 15.5% among Canadians 45 years and older.

This divergence is not merely in frequency but extends to the pattern of consumption as well. For instance, daily or almost daily use of cannabis was reported by 8.7% of the 18 to 24 age group, rising slightly to 10.3% within the 25 to 44 demographic, and then more than halving to 4.8% among those aged 45 and above.

The survey further reveals gender-specific nuances in cannabis use among older adults, with 6% of men compared to 3.6% of women engaging in daily consumption. Interestingly, such gendered differences were not observed in the younger cohorts.

Beyond the numbers, the survey sheds light on the preferred types of cannabis products across different ages. The dried leaf or flower remains the most widely used form, appealing to 62.1% of respondents, closely followed by edibles at 57.1%. Young Canadians showed a greater predilection for diverse product types like vape pens, cartridges, and cannabis beverages, whereas their older counterparts leaned towards topicals and oral oils. Among adults aged 25 and above, men showed a stronger preference for dried leaf products, and women for edibles.

Amid these insights, an ongoing concern within the cannabis industry is the pricing disparity between legal and black-market products, largely attributed to high excise taxes. In 2019, legal cannabis was reportedly 65% more expensive than its illicit counterparts, emphasizing the need for tax reforms to encourage legal consumption. Despite these challenges, the move toward legal purchasing channels is gaining momentum, with 71.7% of consumers opting for legal sources, driven by concerns around product safety, convenience, and law compliance.

This profound data collection offers a comprehensive snapshot of cannabis consumption in Canada, signaling crucial implications for public health initiatives aimed at safe and informed usage. As the legal cannabis landscape continues to evolve, understanding these patterns is essential in shaping effective policies and educational efforts to support the well-being of all Canadians.