Cannabis Consumption in Canada Shifts Towards Edibles and Beverages
Cannabis consumption in Canada is shifting towards edibles and beverages, while smoking declines, according to Health Canada's latest survey
Key Points
- 1Cannabis smoking in Canada has decreased from 89% to 69% since 2018
- 2Edible and beverage consumption of cannabis has risen to 57%
- 3Overall cannabis use remains stable at 26% for non-medical purposes
- 4Driving under the influence of cannabis has decreased to 18%
- 5Legal cannabis purchases have increased to 72% from 28% in 2018
Cannabis consumption patterns in Canada are evolving, with a noticeable decrease in smoking as the preferred method. According to Health Canada's 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey, while smoking remains the most popular method, its prevalence has dropped from 89% in 2018 to 69% in 2024. Meanwhile, the consumption of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages has risen significantly, maintaining a 57% usage rate this year, up from 43% six years ago
The survey, which gathered responses from over 11,600 Canadians between April and July 2024, indicates that overall cannabis use has remained stable since legalization in 2018, with 26% of Canadians aged 16 and older reporting non-medical use in the past year. This figure represents a slight increase from previous years, where usage rates fluctuated between 22% and 27%. Notably, the survey also reveals a decline in driving under the influence of cannabis, down to 18% from 27% in 2018
The data also highlights demographic trends, with the highest usage among those aged 20 to 24, where 48% reported using cannabis in the past year. Teenage users aged 16 to 19 saw a slight decline from last year but have increased by 5% since 2018. Additionally, the report underscores a shift towards legal purchasing, with 72% of users acquiring cannabis through legal storefronts or websites, a significant rise from the 28% who relied on illegal sources in 2018