Highlights of the 2021 Canada Cannabis Survey results

How is cannabis use evolving years after its legalization? The highlights of the 2021 Canadian Cannabis Survey results give us a sneak peek!

Ever since the Cannabis Act of 2018 was passed, policymakers have been keen to know how Canadian society will fare once it is legalized. For years, Health Canada has conducted the Canadian Cannabis Survey to gather first-hand behavioral data and public opinion to help the government develop better programs.

Of course, the recently completed 2021 survey contained other exciting sections. These include home cultivation of cannabis, effects of cannabis use on behavior and changes in cannabis use due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now let’s unravel the highlights of the poll results!

1. Cannabis use in Canada

According to the Canadian Cannabis Survey, 74 percent use cannabis in terms of method of consumption through smoking, followed by edibles, vaping, drinking and dabbing. In the meantime, 14 percent have consumed cannabis for medical reasons and have significantly reduced the intake of other medications as a result.

Interestingly, 6 percent of the population surveyed have grown and grown cannabis in their own homes, while 7 percent said they have prepared cannabis edibles or beverages for personal consumption in the past year.

The most socially acceptable consumer product was alcohol, followed by cannabis and tobacco. Surprisingly, alcohol was more likely to be consumed with cannabis than tobacco. The vast majority do not combine cannabis with opioids, stimulants or tranquilizers.

2. Current demographics of cannabis users

Cannabis use in Canada spans all legal ages and gender identities. In the last 12 months, people between the ages of 20 and 24 were the heaviest cannabis users. Men have a higher share of consumption than women. However, people identified as bisexual are heavier cannabis users than homosexuals and heterosexuals.

Notably, Canadian-born individuals were heavier users compared to non-Canadian-born individuals, and the median “starting age” for cannabis use in Canada was 20.4 years. Women intuitively start a little later than their male counterparts.

3. Effects of cannabis on behavior

Cannabis use affects each user differently. Some users may be stoned or high longer than their peers. In terms of frequency of use, 53 percent of cannabis users reported using cannabis on three days per month or fewer, while 19 percent used cannabis daily.

In terms of the number of hours stoned, 38 percent said they would be high for 1-2 hours, while 33 percent said they would be high for 3-4 hours. A staggering 95 percent of students who use cannabis reported “never absent from school because of cannabis use.”

4. Purchase and Pricing of Cannabis Products

From a business and economic perspective, the survey results help identify the major cannabis suppliers in Canada. Knowing the average market price of cannabis is also a good way to plan your spending and protect yourself from buying overpriced goods.

Of the population surveyed, 53 percent said they have purchased cannabis from legitimate stores, followed by sourcing from friends and legal online sources, while others have sourced cannabis through home cultivation and the majority of cannabis users average $69.00 per month spends

Around 68 percent consumed cannabis in the form of dried flower or leaf, followed by edible cannabis products, vape pens, oil, hash and finally beverages. Most cannabis users reported positive effects on their quality of life and mental health.

5. Public Information on Cannabis and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

From the perspective of policy makers, it is non-negotiable to be regularly informed about the impact of public information campaigns on responsible use of cannabis in Canada. To further refine cannabis-related policies and adapt to social changes, data on the effectiveness of government communication tools and messages is of great use.

Thirty-nine percent of the population surveyed had been exposed to cannabis education campaigns through the government’s information campaigns, followed by 38 percent through television and radio, and 22 percent through social media. Those who consumed the information believed it to be credible.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cannabis use, with increased use being associated with boredom, stress and a lack of a regular schedule. At the same time, the lower usage was due to a lack of social gatherings and too much activity during the pandemic.

Being up to date on what is happening in the cannabis sphere through the results of this annual survey is an added value, whether you are a cannabis user, a policy maker, a business owner, an educator and advocate, a researcher or just a curious mind are. Survey results help maneuver policies that regulate us, giving us so much leeway to responsibly experience the joys of life!

What did you find most fascinating about the 2021 Canada Cannabis Survey? Let us know how it goes in the comments and follow us @cannalifenet for more survey-related cannabis information!