Youth lead the way in Canada's growing cannabis consumption

In Canada, the recreational use of cannabis has been on the rise since its legalization, with recent data indicating significant trends among various age groups. The most striking finding is that nearly half of young adults aged 20 to 24 have engaged in recreational cannabis use in the past year, marking a concerning trend among this demographic. Additionally, for those aged 25 and older, around 25% reported similar use, showcasing that the appeal of cannabis extends across different age brackets. It is also noted that men are more likely to partake in cannabis use compared to women, with approximately 30% of men and about 25% of women indicating usage within the past year. Furthermore, amongst Canadians identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, over 60% reported recreational use, contrasting with just 23% of heterosexual individuals. The recent survey highlights a gradual increase in cannabis consumption across all age groups since the legalization, showing an overall rise of four percentage points, with 26% of Canadians reporting use in the last year. Moreover, vaping has seen a notable prevalence, with 34% of users indicating they have used vape products. However, the survey also reveals that a significant percentage of cannabis users (30%) experienced negative health effects, while 70% reported no adverse reactions. Particularly concerning is the finding that among youths aged 16 to 19, 41% accessed cannabis from illegal sources, indicating a potential gap in responsible sourcing and legal compliance. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address youth behaviors and the associated risks, especially given the federal review's findings on the implications of early usage leading to addiction. Moreover, the frequency of use among recreational users sheds light on consumption habits, with over half stating they consume cannabis three days a month or less. Despite a shift in social acceptability surrounding cannabis consumption, there has been a slight decline in the perception of regularly using cannabis products, although overall acceptance has reinforced since 2018. This paradox indicates a long-term shift in public perception while showing the short-term complexities in how cannabis use is viewed socially. As this landscape continues to evolve with changing laws, public health campaigns, and social attitudes, it remains imperative that Canadians are well-informed. Notably, the proportion of Canadians who have seen cannabis-related health warnings has decreased, alongside a concerning increase in the number of individuals unable to recall any educational outreach on cannabis use. Thus, it is critical to sustain awareness efforts to mitigate potential health risks associated with cannabis use as familiarity increases.