Paragraph 1: Overview of Cannabis Consumption Trends in Canada
The Canadian cannabis landscape is undergoing a transformation, marked by evolving consumption habits and a shift away from illicit markets. According to the 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey conducted by Health Canada, overall cannabis use has remained relatively stable since 2018, hovering between 22% and 27% among individuals aged 16 and older. The latest survey, involving over 11,600 participants, reveals that 26% of Canadians in this age group reported non-medical cannabis use in the past year. While this represents a slight increase of four percentage points compared to 2022, the overall trend indicates a plateauing of cannabis consumption since legalization. Significantly, the ways Canadians consume cannabis are diversifying, with smoking losing ground to alternative methods like edibles and vaping.
Paragraph 2: The Decline of Smoking and the Rise of Edibles
The traditional method of smoking cannabis is experiencing a notable decline in popularity. Six years ago, a staggering 89% of cannabis users opted for smoking. However, this figure has dropped significantly to 69% in 2024, indicating a shift in consumer preferences. Concurrently, the consumption of cannabis-infused edibles, such as gummies and brownies, has witnessed a substantial increase. In 2018, only 43% of users reported consuming edibles, but this number has risen steadily, reaching 57% in both 2023 and 2024. This trend suggests that Canadians are increasingly exploring alternative ways to experience cannabis’s effects, possibly driven by health concerns associated with smoking or a preference for more discreet and controlled consumption methods.
Paragraph 3: Vaping and Driving Under the Influence
Vaping, another alternative method of cannabis consumption, has seen a modest increase in popularity since legalization. While 33% of users reported vaping cannabis in 2018, this figure has grown to 37% in 2024. This growth, though not as dramatic as the rise of edibles, still indicates a growing acceptance and adoption of vaping within the cannabis consumer base. On a positive note, the survey reveals a significant decline in instances of driving under the influence of cannabis. In 2018, 27% of cannabis users reported driving within 12 months of consumption. This number has dropped substantially to 18% in 2024, suggesting increased awareness of the risks associated with impaired driving and a greater adherence to road safety regulations.
Paragraph 4: Age Demographics of Cannabis Users
The age distribution of cannabis users has seen some shifts since legalization. Young adults aged 20 to 24 continue to represent the largest segment of non-medical cannabis users, with 48% reporting consumption in the past 12 months – a figure that has remained relatively stable since 2018. Among teenagers aged 16 to 19, cannabis use has experienced a five-point increase since 2018, reaching 41% in 2024, though slightly lower than the 43% reported in 2023. This indicates a continued prevalence of cannabis use among youth, although the year-over-year decrease might suggest some stabilizing of this trend. Adults aged 25 and older have shown a gradual increase in cannabis consumption since legalization, rising from 19% in 2018 to 23% in both 2023 and 2024.
Paragraph 5: The Decline of the Illicit Market
One of the most notable changes since cannabis legalization in Canada is the significant decline in purchases from the illegal market. In 2018, 28% of cannabis users reported obtaining their supply through illicit channels, such as dealers. This figure has plummeted to a mere 3% in 2024, demonstrating the success of legalization in displacing the black market. This shift can be attributed to the increased availability and accessibility of legal cannabis through storefront dispensaries and online platforms, coupled with greater consumer confidence in the quality and safety of regulated products.
Paragraph 6: The Dominance of Legal Cannabis Sources
The legalization of cannabis has dramatically transformed the landscape of procurement. The 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey reveals that the vast majority of cannabis users now obtain their supply through legal channels. A significant 72% of users reported purchasing cannabis from licensed retail stores or authorized websites, reinforcing the success of the regulated market in capturing consumer demand. This shift not only reflects the increased convenience and accessibility of legal cannabis but also highlights growing consumer trust in the quality control and safety standards implemented within the legal framework. The data paints a picture of a maturing cannabis market in Canada, characterized by diversifying consumption methods, a decline in illicit trade, and a gradual shift in user demographics.
