Cannabis use in Canada has evolved over the past six years since its legalization, with a notable shift away from smoking and an increasing preference for edibles and drinks. The latest data from Health Canada’s 2024 Canadian Cannabis Survey reveals significant changes in how Canadians are consuming cannabis.
Decline in Smoking, Rise in Edibles
While cannabis use overall remains stable, with 26% of Canadians aged 16 and older reporting use for non-medical purposes in the past year (a slight increase from 22% in 2022), there has been a marked decline in smoking.
- Smoking cannabis, still the most common method of consumption, has dropped from 89% in 2018 to 69% in 2024.
- Eating or drinking cannabis, such as in the form of gummies or brownies, has increased significantly, holding steady at 57% in 2024, up from 43% in 2018.
This shift aligns with the growing popularity of cannabis-infused food and beverages, offering consumers a more discreet and often longer-lasting experience.
Other Consumption Methods
Vaping has seen only a slight increase, from 33% in 2018 to 37% in 2024, showing that while some users are turning to vaping, it is still not as widespread as smoking or edibles.
Declining Cannabis-Impaired Driving
An important positive trend revealed by the survey is the decline in cannabis-impaired driving. The percentage of people who reported driving while under the influence of cannabis dropped significantly to 18%, down from 27% in 2018. This marks a reduction of nine percentage points, suggesting that Canadians are becoming more cautious about driving after cannabis use.
Age Demographics and Trends
The age demographics of cannabis users have shifted slightly since legalization:
- 20 to 24-year-olds continue to be the largest group of cannabis users, with 48% reporting use in the past year, consistent with previous years.
- Teenagers aged 16 to 19 have seen a rise in usage, jumping to 41%, a 5% increase from 2018. However, this is slightly down from 43% in 2023.
- Adults 25 and older show a steady increase in use, rising to 23% this year, up from 19% after legalization.
Legal Market Gains
As the legal market for cannabis expands, the illegal market has continued to decline. Only 3% of cannabis users reported buying from illegal sources, a sharp drop from 28% in 2018. Meanwhile, 72% of Canadians now purchase cannabis through legal channels, such as licensed storefronts or online retailers.
Cannabis use in Canada is evolving, with a shift from smoking to more diverse consumption methods like edibles and beverages. The increasing reliance on legal markets and a decline in impaired driving further reflect the changing landscape of cannabis use in the country. With these trends, Canada’s cannabis market continues to mature and reshape the way people engage with the substance.
