
Cannabis is being used by 5.3 million or 18% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, compared to 14% prior to legalization, according to the latest National Cannabis Survey results. This can be partly attributed to increased use by Canadian males and people aged 45 to 64.
Other highlights from the survey’s first quarter 2019 results include:
- The number of new cannabis users is increasing. During the first quarter of 2019, 646,000 cannabis users reported trying cannabis for the first time—nearly double the estimated 327,000 people who tried cannabis for the first time one year earlier.
- Males and young Canadians are more likely to consume cannabis. Cannabis use remains higher among males (22%) than females (13%). Use is also more common among 15-24 year-olds (30%) versus people aged 25 and older (16%).
- More Canadians are getting cannabis from legal sources. 47% of Canadians reported getting cannabis from legal sources—authorized retailers and online licensed producers—in the first three months of 2019, compared to 23% over the same period in 2018.
- Daily cannabis use remains unchanged, but weekly and occasional use is increasing. Post-legalization, 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported using cannabis on a daily or almost daily basis. Another 4% reported using weekly, 2% monthly, and 6% once or twice in the last 3 months. Weekly and occasional use increased by 2% compared to the first quarter of 2018.
For the full first quarter 2019 survey results, including data on cannabis use and impaired driving, visit Statistics Canada website.
The National Cannabis Survey was designed by Statistics Canada to monitor cannabis consumption and related behaviours before and after legalization. Data is collected and released every quarter.