As we embark on 2024, the Canadian Cannabis Survey 2023 stands as a pivotal marker in the cannabis industry, revealing startling truths and shaping the conversation around cannabis in Canada. This survey, a reflection of a nation’s evolving relationship with cannabis, not only captures the current trends but also provides a roadmap for the future.
The findings highlight a nuanced understanding of cannabis consumption, changing public perceptions, and the burgeoning market dynamics as we venture into a new era of cannabis normalization.
Key Takeaways from Canada’s Cannabis Survey
1) There was no clear trend for past 12-month cannabis use among youth age 16-19. In 2023, 43% of youth reported using cannabis at least once in the past 12 months, an increase compared to 2022 and 2018 (which had rates of 37% and 36% respectively). However, this rate was similar to that in 2019 and 2020 (44% each year).
2) Overall, the proportion of respondents who use cannabis and reported daily or almost daily use has been stable since 2018 (approximately 25%), including among youth (approximately 20%).
3) The percentage of Canadians who use cannabis classified as ‘at high risk’ of developing problems from cannabis use has remained stable since 2018 (approximately 3%).
4) The proportion of Canadians smoking cannabis continued to decline. However, in 2023, smoking remains the most common method of consuming cannabis (63%), followed by eating (52%) and vapourizing with a vape pen or e-cigarette (33%).
5) The number of respondents reporting a legal source as their usual source of cannabis has increased to 73 % in 2023 from 37% in 2019 with legal storefronts being the most common source since 2019. A smaller proportion reporting accessing cannabis through illegal sources compared to 2019.
6) Among those who used cannabis, driving after recent use decreased between 2018 (27%) and 2021 (16%), and has remained unchanged since then.
Important Facts
- The 2023 CCS results are based on online responses from approximately 11,690 respondents aged 16 years of age and older across all provinces and territories.
- Data was collected across seven themes:
- knowledge, attitudes and opinions;
- cannabis use and products used;
- sources and purchasing;
- assessment of higher-risk cannabis use;
- accidental consumption and adverse reactions;
- driving and cannabis, and;
- cannabis for medical purposes.
- In addition, the 2023 survey collected data on new topics, including:
- reporting and occurrence of adverse reactions;
- how people identify legal sources of cannabis;
- knowledge of requirements for cannabis packaging, and;
- an alternative assessment tool to measure harmful cannabis use.
My Top Takeaways: What Canadian Weed Lovers Need to Know
1) Steady as She Grows: Just like our love for poutine, cannabis use in Canada is a constant. The survey says usage among us Canucks hasn’t skyrocketed post-legalization. We’re not just lighting up willy-nilly; we’re a community that knows its green.
2) A Buffet of Buzz: Gone are the days of one-trick tokes! Whether you’re into old-school joints or fancy edibles, there’s something for every toker. It’s a smorgasbord of choices, folks!
3) From Street to Retail: More of us are buying our bud legally now. It’s not just about playing it safe; it’s about quality and supporting a market that’s as Canadian as maple syrup.
4) Driving Down the High Road: Less of us are hitting the road buzzed, and that’s a win! We’re not just about good times; we’re about safe times too.
5) Cannabis: Here to Stay, Eh?: With reduced stigma and a shift toward wellness, cannabis isn’t just a fad. It’s as Canadian as saying ‘sorry’ for no reason. Here’s to cannabis culture growing like a well-tended weed in the Great White North!
Cannabis in Canada isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that’s here to stay, evolving and becoming as integral to our culture as hockey and apologizing too much. With these trends, we’re seeing the evolution of cannabis culture become as relatable and Canadian as a Timmy’s double-double.
A New Chapter for Cannabis in Canada
As we analyze the Canadian Cannabis Survey from 2023, it’s evident that the cannabis industry in Canada is not just growing; it’s maturing and is becoming more accepted. The survey points towards many defining moments for the industry, enhancing its credibility and aligning it with other mainstream business sectors.
For consumers, particularly those using cannabis for health and wellness, these insights signal a move towards more informed and responsible use. The cannabis market in Canada is poised for significant growth, reflecting an industry that is increasingly recognized for its potential in both commercial and health sectors.
For a detailed overview of the Canadian Cannabis Survey 2023, visit the Health Canada website here.
Cheers,
Anna Gray
