Canadian Cannabis Survey 2020: Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Cannabis Act is a national framework to control the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. The legislation and accompanying regulations came into force on October 17, 2018. To evaluate the impact of the Cannabis Act, data are required to better understand how Canadians view and use cannabis. These data will also support development of policy and program initiatives, including public education and awareness activities.

In order to obtain in-depth information, Health Canada developed and implemented the Canadian Cannabis Survey (CCS). The aim of the CCS is to obtain detailed information about the habits of people who use cannabis and behaviours relative to cannabis use.

The CCS started in 2017 and is conducted annually. It examines patterns of use, such as the quantities of cannabis consumed and the use of cannabis for medical purposes; the cannabis market, such as sources of cannabis and pricing; and issues of public safety, such as impaired driving. Survey content is reviewed annually and modified to address any identified gaps in the data.

The 2020 CCS included additional questions such as:

Methods

The CCS uses a two-step recruitment process. First, respondents are recruited by phone (land line or mobile) from lists of random telephone numbers. Respondents who pass a set of screening questions are then sent a link to an online survey, either by email or short message service (SMS) to their mobile phones. The average time to fill out the 2020 CCS was 25 minutes for respondents who reported using cannabis within the past 12 months and 12 minutes for respondents who reported that they had not used cannabis.

This summary presents survey findings from the fourth data collection cycle, which started April 30, 2020 and ended June 22, 2020. Survey findings were weighted by province, age groups, and sex at birth. For the 108 people who were missing a response for both sex at birth and gender, no weights were attributed. Cases where a weight could not be attributed were excluded from national estimates but remain in the data set. Survey results are based on responses from 10,822 respondents aged 16 years and older across all provinces and territories where weights could be created. For additional details refer to the Methodological report published on the Library and Archives website.

The CCS was designed to obtain a sufficient number of respondents from key sub-populations. To ensure statistical relevance of results and representativeness, minimum sample sizes were determined and met for these sub-populations. Of the responses received, 1,142 were from people who indicated that they had used cannabis in the past 12 months for either non-medical or medical purposes. Table 1 summarizes the sample size represented by the survey.

Table 1: Description of the sample size represented, by age group, sex and province/territory, Canada, 2020
  Females Males 16-19 years 20-24 years 25+ years Total
Canada 5,535 5,287 858 1,800 8,164 10,822
Newfoundland and Labrador 232 178 18 29 363 410
Prince Edward Island 251 186 17 38 382 437
Nova Scotia 256 213 27 80 362 469
New Brunswick 229 199 19 55 354 428
Québec 1,092 1,020 218 494 1,400 2,112
Ontario 1,452 1,517 243 558 2,168 2,969
Manitoba 266 241 20 56 431 507
Saskatchewan 210 231 26 51 364 441
Alberta 701 669 140 182 1,048 1,370
British Columbia 748 729 111 235 1,131 1,477
TerritoriesFootnote 1 98 104 19 22 161 202

Note: Not all respondents provided their sex at birth.

Table 1 Footnote 1

Territories includes Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Return to footnote 1 referrer


Considerations

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious respiratory illness. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Across Canada, public health measures were implemented, which included physical distancing from people other than those in your own household, in order to slow the spread of new cases. The measures dramatically changed daily routines and may have caused a change in behaviour related to cannabis use, including accessing sources of cannabis and amount spent.

As the survey was conducted from April to June, responses to questions about behaviours in the previous 30 days may be more directly impacted by the pandemic. Questions were added to the 2020 survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on cannabis use. However, many of the CCS questions relate to cannabis use in the past 12 months, and survey responses would include use and behaviours prior to and during the pandemic. This presents a challenge in the interpretation of the survey results, particularly when comparing findings to previous years. For example, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of people who reported that they usually obtained cannabis from a friend, dealer, acquaintance, or though sharing among a group of friends, compared to 2019. This question asked about sources of cannabis in the past 12 months, so it is difficult to know if this decrease was related to the pandemic (less contact with people outside of one's household), or if it represents a more permanent change in behaviour possibly due to the new availability of cannabis through legal/licensed sources. Furthermore, on October 17, 2019, amendments to the Cannabis Act and its Regulations came into force to permit the legal production and sale of new classes of cannabis products, including cannabis extracts, cannabis edibles, and cannabis extracts intended to be inhaled. However, these products did not begin to enter the legal market until the end of December 2019. Questions that ask about behaviours over a past 12 month timeframe include a period both before and after these products were legally available. Finally, in the 12 months prior to data collection there was the reporting of Vaping Associated Lung Illness cases in both the United States of America and Canada. This may have had an impact of the results related to the vapourizing of cannabis.

Health Canada estimates the prevalence of cannabis use in the general population through two different surveys. The Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) and the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) are designed specifically to measure prevalence. CTADS 2017 indicates that 15% of Canadians age 15 and older (or 4.4 million) have used cannabis in the past 12 months (19% among age 15 to 19 years; 33% among age 20 to 24 years; and 13% among age 25 years and older). CSTADS 2018/19 indicates that 18% of students in grades 7 to 12 (approximately 374,000) have used cannabis in the past 12 months.

When recruited, CCS respondents were informed that the survey was about cannabis. This information may have created a participation bias in that those who use cannabis may have been more likely to complete the survey. For this and other methodological reasons, the CCS may provide estimates for cannabis use that are higher than other Canadian population level surveys, which are specifically designed to measure prevalence of use.

Results by theme

Results from the 2020 survey are presented by theme. Comparisons to the 2019 CCS data were made where applicable. Note that some questions were changed between 2019 and 2020 cycles.

All reported increases and decreases in the text below are statistically significant changes (meaning that they are not likely to have occurred by chance alone). To improve readability, the words “statistically significant” will not be repeated. Similarly, at times the text will state that the proportion is “unchanged” or not different between groups, even though the numbers are not identical. This occurs when the difference between numbers is not statistically significant.

Definitions

Detailed results tables have been published on the Library and Archives website. A summary of the key results by theme is provided below.

Knowledge, opinions and behaviours

Canadians were asked questions about their knowledge and opinions related to cannabis. Topics included knowledge/beliefs about harms related to cannabis, access to trustworthy information, exposure to health warning messages and public health messaging, cannabis use in the home, social acceptability of cannabis and other substance use, perceived risk of using cannabis and other substances, and opinions on whether cannabis use can be habit forming.

Knowledge/beliefs about harms related to cannabis

Canadians were asked if they know or believe cannabis smoke can be harmful, if daily or almost daily cannabis use can increase the risk of mental health problems, and whether teenagers are at greater risk of harm from cannabis use than adults (Figure 1). For all of these harms, the majority of people reported they believe these risks to be true. However, there was a decrease from 75% in 2019 to 66% in 2020 of those who felt daily or almost daily cannabis use can increase the risk of mental health problems. There was no change for the other two risks.

Figure 1. Knowledge or beliefs regarding cannabis-associated harms, 2020
Figure 1

* Significant differences between those who used cannabis in the past 12 months and those who had not used cannabis.

Figure 1 - Text Equivalent
Figure 1: Knowledge or beliefs regarding cannabis-associated harms, 2020
Cannabis smoke can be harmfulFootnote * (%) Daily or almost daily cannabis use increases risk of mental health problemsFootnote *
(%)
Teenagers are at greater risk of harm from using cannabis than adults
(%)
Overall 75 66 84
People who did not use cannabis (past 12 months) 77 70 84
People who used cannabis (past 12 months) 72 55 85
Table 1 Footnote *

Significant differences between those who used cannabis in the past 12 months and those who had not used cannabis

Return to footnote * referrer

Access to trustworthy information

People were asked if they felt they had access to enough trustworthy information about the health risks of cannabis use to make informed decisions. Most people (77%) reported somewhat or strongly agreeing that they had enough trustworthy information, an increase from 2019 (71%). This was more common among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months (90%) than among those who had not used cannabis (72%). New in 2020, we asked Canadians if they were aware of the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines. Only 10% of Canadians were aware of the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines, and a further 16% were not sure if they had heard of the Guidelines. Among those who had used cannabis in the past 12 months, 13% were aware of the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines and a further 15% were not sure if they had heard of the Guidelines.

Exposure to health warning messages

Canadians were asked if they had seen the health warning messages on cannabis products/packages or on Health Canada's website. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of people reported they had seen the warnings, an increase from 2019 (34%) and a further 27% reported they were not sure, also an increase from 2019 (15%). Among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months, a higher percentage (68%) reported having seen the warnings compared to 2019 (58%). Of all those who had seen the warnings, over half (57%) reported the warnings increased their knowledge of the harms related to cannabis use at least somewhat, an increase from 2019 (53%). Of those who had not seen the warnings, 72% felt that they sufficiently knew the harms related to cannabis at least somewhat.

Exposure to education campaigns, public health or safety messages

Canadians were asked if they had seen or heard education campaigns, public health or safety messages about cannabis in various locations since the Cannabis Act came into force. Canadians could select more than one location if they had seen or heard these messages in multiple locations. Figure 2 shows the most common locations. There was an increase for public displays (28% to 30%) and for health care settings (21% to 25%) between 2019 and 2020. There was also a decrease in those who reported not noticing any campaigns or messages (24% to 22%) between 2019 and 2020. For all locations, those who used cannabis in the past 12 months were more likely to report having seen these messages.

Figure 2. LocationFootnote 1 of exposure to education campaigns, public health or safety messages about cannabis, among all Canadians, 2020
Figure 2

1 Multiple response options could be selected.

Figure 2 - Text Equivalent
Figure 2: LocationFootnote 1 of exposure to education campaigns, public health or safety messages about cannabis, among all Canadians, 2020
Location Percentage (%)
TV/radio 50
Social media 32
Public display of posters or billboards 30
Health care setting 25
Print newspapers or magazines 19
I didn't notice any education campaigns or public health messages 22
Table 2 Footnote 1

Multiple response options could be selected.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

New in 2020, we also asked about the credibility of these messages and the topics covered. Of those who saw or heard these messages, 73% reported that the information was credible or believable. The most common messages observed related to driving and cannabis use (81%), harms of cannabis use (43%), dependence and cannabis use (29%) and Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (14%). For all topics, those who used cannabis in the past 12 months were more likely to report having seen these messages.

Cannabis use inside the home

Canadians were asked about cannabis consumption methods in the home over the past 12 months. Among those who did not use cannabis in the past 12 months, 10% indicated cannabis was smoked in the home, 7% indicated someone ate or drank cannabis, and 3% indicated that someone vapourized cannabis inside the home. In comparison, responses from those who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were noticeably different with 72% responding that someone smoked cannabis inside their home, an increase from 2019 (66%), followed by eating or drinking cannabis (58%), an increase from 2019 (44%), and vapourizing cannabis (33%), unchanged from 2019 (32%).

New in the 2020 survey cycle, Canadians were asked if anyone had grown cannabis plants in or around the home in the past 12 months.  Overall, 7% reported that plants had been grown in or around the home; among those who had used cannabis in the past 12 months it was 15%. Among those who reported plants grown in or around their residence, the average number of plants was 3. Canadians were also asked if anyone had prepared cannabis edibles or beverages in the home in the past 12 months. Overall, 7% reported preparation of cannabis edibles or beverages in the home. Among those who had used cannabis in the past 12 months it was 19%.

Exposure to second-hand smoke

New in the 2020 survey, Canadians were asked about locations of exposure to second-hand cannabis smoke or vapour in the past 30 days. The most common location was a public place, with 36% of Canadians reporting exposure. This was similar among both those who used cannabis in the past 12 months and those that did not. Overall, 19% of Canadians reported exposure to second-hand smoke in the home, and 5% in the car. A higher proportion of those using cannabis in the past 12 months reported exposure to second-hand cannabis smoke or vapour in the home (38%) and in the car (10%) compared to people who did not use cannabis in the past 12 months (11% and 3%, respectively). Exposure at a workplace or school (5%) was less common, among both those who used cannabis in the past 12 months and those that did not.

Social acceptability

Canadians were asked about the social acceptability of using various products occasionally and regularly. Of the proposed substances (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis), the most socially acceptable product to use, whether occasionally or regularly, was alcohol, followed by cannabis and tobacco (Figure 3). The social acceptability of the occasional use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping cannabis decreased slightly and the social acceptability of occasionally smoking and eating cannabis increased slightly compared to 2019. Social acceptability of regularly using e-cigarettes decreased between 2019 and 2020 while social acceptability of regularly using alcohol, smoking cannabis, and eating cannabis increased. There was no change in the social acceptability of using alcohol occasionally or regularly using tobacco or vaping cannabis.

Figure 3: Social acceptability of using various products, among all Canadians, 2020
Figure 3
Figure 3 - Text Equivalent
Figure 3: Social acceptability of using various products, among all Canadians, 2020
Product Percentage (%) responding somewhat or completely acceptable
Regular use
(%)
Occasional use
(%)
Tobacco (cigarette/cigar/smokeless tobacco) 35 47
E-cigarettes (vaping a liquid with nicotine) 35 47
Vaping cannabis for non-medical purposes 42 59
Eating cannabis for non-medical purposes 48 66
Smoking cannabis for non-medical purposes 48 67
Alcohol 61 90

Social acceptability of occasional or regular use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis was higher among people who indicated using cannabis in the past 12 months compared to those who did not report cannabis use. This pattern was also seen in 2019.

Perceived risks of using various substances

Canadians were asked how much they thought a person risked harming themselves by using various products once in a while and on a regular basis. Perceived risk was determined using a 4-point Likert scale, which had the following categories: no risk, slight risk, moderate risk, great risk and “don’t know”.

In general, the majority of people felt that occasional use of alcohol or cannabis had no risk or slight risk. Whereas smoking tobacco and using an e-cigarette with nicotine once in a while was seen as having moderate or great risk by the majority of people.

When asked about the use of these substances on a regular basis, the majority of people perceived either moderate or great risk for smoking tobacco (95%, an increase from 94% in 2019), followed by using an e-cigarette with nicotine (90%, an increase from 84% in 2019), drinking alcohol (74%, a decrease from 79% in 2019), smoking cannabis (73%, a decrease from 74% in 2019), vaping cannabis (75%, an increase from 72% in 2019), and eating cannabis (65%, a decrease from 68% in 2019).

Those who used cannabis in the past 12 months had a lower percentage reporting moderate or great perceived risk from regular use of the aforementioned products than those who had not used cannabis, except for smoking tobacco on a regular basis. When we examine the differences between those who use cannabis and those who do not, the difference in the percentage reporting moderate or great perceived risk was much smaller for the regular use of non-cannabis products (alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes with nicotine) compared to smoking, eating or vapourizing cannabis (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Perceived risk of various behaviours on a regular basis, 2020
Figure 4

* Significant differences between those who used cannabis in the past 12 months and those who had not used cannabis.

Figure 4 - Text Equivalent
Figure 4: Perceived risk of various behaviours on a regular basis, 2020
  Percentage responding moderate or great risk
Substance Overall
(%)
People who did not use cannabis (past 12 months) (%) People who used cannabis (past 12 months) (%)
Drink alcoholFootnote * 74 76 70
Smoke tobacco 95 95 95
E-cigarette with nicotineFootnote * 90 91 86
Smoke cannabisFootnote * 73 81 50
Vapourizing cannabisFootnote * 75 82 54
Eating cannabisFootnote * 65 74 40
Table 4 Footnote *

Significant differences between those who used cannabis in the past 12 and those who had not used cannabis.

Return to footnote * referrer

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Canadians were asked whether they agreed that it is okay to use cannabis when pregnant or breastfeeding. Overall, the majority (88%) of Canadians did not agree. Among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 83% did not agree, compared to 90% of those who did not use cannabis, all unchanged from 2019.

Females aged 16 to 50 who had given birth in the past 5 years were asked about cannabis use during their last pregnancy. Overall, 96% did not use cannabis once they learned they were pregnant with their last child. Among those who breastfed, 94% did not use cannabis while breastfeeding their last child. These were both unchanged from 2019.

Opinions on cannabis impairment

New in the 2020 cycle, people were asked about their opinions on cannabis impairment. Overall, 45% of people thought consuming cannabis products with lower levels of THC did not lead to greater impairment, while 13% thought it did, and 42% were not sure. Among people who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, the majority (73%) felt products with lower levels of THC did not lead to greater impairment, while 5% thought it did and 22% were not sure.

Overall, 52% of people thought it could take up to four hours to feel the full effects of eating or drinking cannabis, while 10% did not, and 38% were not sure. Among people who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, the majority (73%) thought it could take up to four hours, while 14% did not, and 13% were not sure.

Overall, 9% of people thought the effects of inhaling cannabis were longer-lasting than eating/drinking cannabis products, while 40% did not, and 51% were not sure. Among people who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, only 6% thought the effects of inhaling cannabis were longer-lasting than eating/drinking cannabis products, while the majority (72%) did not, and 21% were not sure.

Opinions on whether cannabis use can be habit forming

Overall, 90% of people thought that using cannabis could be habit forming, unchanged from 2019. The majority of people (93%) who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months thought cannabis could be habit forming (an increase from 87% in 2019). A majority (89%) of those who did not use cannabis also thought cannabis could be habit forming, a decrease from 2019 (91%).

Cannabis use and products used

Canadians who reported using cannabis for non-medical purposes were asked detailed questions about their use of cannabis. Topics included age of initiation of use, methods of consumption, types of cannabis products used and frequency, typical THC to CBD ratio of products, typical use in terms of number of hours and amount used per day, and where cannabis is stored inside the home. The results presented under “Cannabis use and products used” refer specifically to people who reported using cannabis for non-medical purposes.

Cannabis use

Canadians were asked about their cannabis use within the past 12 months. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of people reported having used cannabis in the past 12 months, an increase from 25% in the previous cycle. Provincial/territorial estimates ranged from 21% to 37%. Note that due to the data collection methodology, the CCS may provide estimates of cannabis use that are higher than Canadian population level surveys, which are specifically designed to measure prevalence of use.

Past 12-month use in Canadians of various demographic groups

People between the ages of 16 to 24 years reported cannabis use in the past year at a percentage that was approximately double that of those 25 years and older. Males reported a higher percentage of cannabis use in the past year than females. Reported past 12-month use increased between 2019 and 2020 among those 25 years and older and among both sexes (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Past 12-month cannabis use, by sex and age group, 2019 to 2020
Figure 5

* Significantly different compared to 2019.

Figure 5 - Text Equivalent
Figure 5: Past 12-month cannabis use, by sex and age group, 2019 to 2020
Demographic group 2019
(%)
2020
(%)
MalesFootnote * 29 31
FemalesFootnote * 21 23
16-19 years 44 44
20-24 years 51 52
25+ yearsFootnote * 21 24
Table 5 Footnote *

Significantly different compared to 2019.

Return to footnote * referrer

The proportion of people reporting cannabis use in the past 12 months was higher among people who identified as bisexual (55%), homosexual (43%), or another sexuality (45%), than among people who identified as heterosexual (25%). The proportion of people using cannabis in the past 12 months was double among people who were born in Canada (31%) compared to people who were not born in Canada (15%).

People who reported they were currently attending a school, college, CEGEP, or university reported cannabis use during the past 12 months (29%, a decrease from 40% in 2019) at a higher proportion compared to those who were not currently students (26%, an increase from 21% in 2019). People who reported working at a job or business in the past week or have a job or business they were absent from reported cannabis use during the past 12 months (29%, an increase from 27% in 2019) at a higher proportion compared to those who did not work at a job or business (22%, an increase from 18% in 2019).

Those who reported having less than high school or a high school diploma as their highest level of education had a higher proportion reporting cannabis use in the past 12 months (32%), compared to those with a post-graduate degree/diploma (19%). This is similar to the pattern seen in 2019.

Canadians were asked about their physical and mental health using a 5-point Likert scale, which had the following categories: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. For physical health, the group with the highest proportion reporting past 12-month cannabis use was those who report fair physical health (31%). The groups with the lowest proportions reporting cannabis use were those reporting excellent (25%) and very good (26%) physical health. For self-reported mental health, the percentage reporting past 12-month cannabis use increases as mental health ratings decrease: excellent (18%), very good (25%), good (32%), fair (46%), and poor (57%). This was a similar to the pattern seen in 2019.

Impact of COVID-19 on cannabis use

New in 2020, people who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked if their cannabis use had changed due the COVID-19 pandemic.  Fifty-six percent (56%) reported using the same amount of cannabis, while 22% reported using more and 22% reported using less. The change in the amount of cannabis used due to COVID-19 seemed to primarily affect younger age groups. The majority (62%) of those 25 years or older reported using the same amount of cannabis. Only 19% of people 25 years and older reported using more cannabis, compared to 31% of those aged 16 to 19 years and 31% aged 20 to 24 years. At the same time, 19% of people aged 25 years and older reported using less cannabis, compared to 38% of those aged 16 to 19 and 29% of those aged 20 to 24 years.

The most common reasons for an increase in cannabis use were to relax (73%), boredom (65%), stress (53%), and anxiety (53%). The most common reasons for a decrease in cannabis use were to relax (18%), cannabis stores were closed/had reduced hours (16%), inability to socialize with others (14%), and anxiety (13%).

Age of initiation

People who reported ever using cannabis were asked about the age at which they first tried or started using cannabis. The average age of initiating cannabis use was 20.0 years, a small increase from 19.2 years in 2019. This is comparable to the average age of 18.6 years reported in the 2017 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS). Females were slightly older than males when they first tried cannabis (20.4 and 19.5 years, respectively). The Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) 2018/19, asked questions of students in grades 7 to 12, and reported an average age of initiation of 14.3 years. Average age of initiation is highly dependent on the age range of the Canadians in a survey, as well as the distribution of Canadians within predetermined age groups. For the CCS, the age of initiation is higher among the largest age group of adults age 25 and older, resulting in a higher average age of initiation overall.
Provincial/territorial estimates of average age of initiating cannabis use ranged from 18.6 years to 21.0 years.

Frequency of cannabis use

Canadians who reported using cannabis over the past 12 months were asked how frequently they used the substance. Over half (54%) reported using cannabis three days per month or less, and 18% reported daily cannabis use (Figure 6). Responses were unchanged from 2019.

Figure 6: Frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 6
Figure 6 - Text Equivalent
Figure 6: Frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months, 2020
Frequency Percentage (%)
Less than 1 day per month 35
1 day per month 7
2-3 days per month 12
1-2 days per week 13
3-4 days per week 9
5-6 days per week 7
Daily 18

Overall, a greater percentage of males (29%) reported daily or almost daily use compared to females (20%), whereas a greater percentage of females (40%) reported less than monthly use compared to males (31%). The distribution of daily or almost daily use by sex and age group is summarized in Figure 7. There were no significant differences in percentages reporting less than monthly use among age groups examined. Provincial/territorial estimates for daily or almost daily use ranged from 16% to 30% and estimates of less than monthly use ranged from 28% to 45%.

Figure 7: Frequency of daily or almost daily cannabis use in the past 12 months, by age group and sex, 2020
Figure 7

* Significant differences between males aged 16-19 years compared to 25+ years

Figure 7 - Text Equivalent
Figure 7: Frequency of daily or almost daily cannabis use in the past 12 months, by age group and sex, Canada, 2020
16-19 years
(%)
20-24 years
(%)
25+ years
(%)
Overall 21 23 26
MalesFootnote * 20 26 30
Females 23 20 19
Table 7 Footnote *

Significant differences between males aged 16-19 years compared to 25+ years.

Return to footnote * referrer

Overall, 18% of Canadians age 16 years and older reported using cannabis in the past 30 days (an increase from 17% in 2019). New in 2020, we asked those who used cannabis in the past 30 days to specify how many days they used cannabis within the past 30 days. The average number of days was 14.4. The majority reported using cannabis once a day on a typical use day (55%); the next most common responses were twice a day (19%) followed by five or more times per day (10%).

Number of hours "stoned" or "high" on a typical use day

People who had reported using cannabis in the past 30 days were asked about the number of hours they would spend "stoned" or "high" on a typical use day. Thirty-six percent (36%, an increase from 30% in 2019) reported they would be "stoned" or "high" on a typical use day for three or four hours, followed by one or two hours (35%, unchanged from 2019), less than one hour (14%, unchanged from 2019), five or six hours (9%, unchanged from 2019), and seven or more hours (7%, a decrease from 9% in 2019).

Frequency of cannabis use to get "high" before school or work

Students who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about the frequency of cannabis use to get "high" within two hours before or at school. Overall, 74% reported they had not used cannabis to get "high" before or at school in the past 12 months, an increase from 59% in 2019. Fifteen percent (15%) of students who used cannabis in the past 12 months reported rarely using cannabis before or at school (less than once a month), a decrease from 26% in 2019, and 6% used cannabis before or at school weekly or more often, unchanged from 2019. Most students (95%, unchanged from 2019) reported never being absent from school because of their cannabis use.

The majority of people who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months had not used cannabis to get "high" within two hours before or at work in the past 12 months (69%, unchanged from 67% in 2019), and a further 13% reported they had not been employed in the past 12 months (unchanged from 2019). Ten percent (10%, a decrease from 12% in 2019) reported using cannabis before or at work rarely (less than once a month), and 5% (unchanged from 2019) used cannabis before or at work weekly or more often. Most people (82%, a decrease from 87% in 2019) indicated they had not been absent from work as a result of their cannabis use and a further 17% (an increase from 11% in 2019) stated they were not employed.

Methods of consumption

People who had reported using cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about their methods of consumption. Smoking (79%) was the most common method of cannabis consumption reported by people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, a decrease from 2019 (84%). Other methods of consumption were: eating it in food (52%), an increase from 2019 (46%), vapourizing using a vape pen or e-cigarette (24%), a decrease from 2019 (27%), and vapourizing using a vapourizer (12%), a decrease from 2019 (15%).

When examining methods of consumption by province and the territories, the most common method of consumption in all regions was smoking (estimates ranged from 75% to 84%). This was followed by eating it in food (estimates ranged from 30% to 70%) and vapourizing using a vape pen (estimates ranged from 14% to 28%).

New in the 2020 survey cycle, people who used cannabis in the past 12 months who used a vapourizer and/or vape pen were asked what cannabis product was used when vapourizing cannabis and the type of vaping device used. The most common cannabis product used was dried flower/leaf (65%), followed by liquid cannabis oil/extract (60%). The majority responded that they use a non-disposable vaping device (72%), followed by 18% who used a disposable vaping device and 10% who used both disposable and non-disposable.

Types of cannabis products used and frequency

People who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about the types of cannabis products they had used in the past 12 months. People could select more than one product. The six most common products used are summarized in Figure 8. Canadians were also asked about the frequency at which they used these cannabis products. The most commonly reported frequency for these six products was less than one day a month, ranging from 31% for dried flower/leaf to 54% for edibles.

Figure 8: Past 12 months, cannabis products usedFootnote 1 among people who used cannabis in past 12 months, 2019 to 2020
Figure 8

1 Multiple response options could be selected.
* Significantly different compared to 2019.

Figure 8 - Text Equivalent
Figure 8: Past 12 months, cannabis products usedFootnote 1 among people who used cannabis in past 12 months, 2019 to 2020
Products 2019
(%)
2020
(%)
Dried flower/leafFootnote * 77 74
Cannabis edible productsFootnote * 44 49
Cannabis concentrates/extractsFootnote * 17 13
Cannabis vape pens/cartridgesFootnote * 26 22
Cannabis oil for oral use 23 25
Hashish/kiefFootnote * 23 19
Table 8 Footnote 1

Multiple response options could be selected.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Table 8 Footnote *

Significantly different compared to 2019.

Return to footnote * referrer

A higher percentage of males reported using dried flower (79%), hash (23%), cartridges/vape pens (23%) and concentrates/extracts (17%), compared to females (67%, 14%, 20% and 9%, respectively). A higher percentage of females reported using edibles (51%) and topicals (9%) when compared to males (47% and 5%, respectively). Cannabis oil for oral use was the same for both males and females (25%). The least used cannabis products for both males and females were beverages (7% and 5%, respectively).

In all provinces and the territories, the most common product used was dried flower/leaf, ranging from 71% to 80%. Edibles were the second most commonly reported products (estimates ranged from 47% to 67%), except in Québec (25%). In Québec, the second most commonly reported product was cannabis oil for oral use (26%).

Relative levels of THC and CBD in cannabis products

People who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about the relative levels of THC and CBD in the cannabis products they typically use. New response options were added in 2020 to allow people to better describe the relative THC and CBD in the products they use. Twenty-nine percent (29%) indicated higher THC and lower CBD, 11% indicated higher CBD and lower THC, and 10% selected equal levels of THC and CBD, 6% selected THC only, 2% selected CBD only, and 16% said they typically used a mix of these products. Twenty-five percent (25%) indicated they did not know the relative levels of THC and CBD, a decrease from 32% in 2019.

Average amount used on a typical use day

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about the average amount of cannabis used on a typical use day. Of those who had used dried flower/leaf, the average amount used on a typical use day was 1.1 grams; this is a slight increase from 2019 (0.9 grams). Those who used edible cannabis products consumed approximately 1.2 servings, an increase from 1.1 servings in 2019. The average amount of concentrate or extract used was 0.3 grams, an increase from 0.2 grams in 2019. Of those who used each of the following products, the average amount used on a typical day was 0.4 grams of hashish/kief, 0.1 cartridges for vape pens, approximately 318 millilitres of beverages, and 1.0 millilitres of cannabis oil for oral use, all unchanged from 2019.

Cannabis use with other substances

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked how often they combined their cannabis use with other substances, by mixing or consuming at the same time. People could select more than one substance. As in 2019, alcohol was the substance most commonly used in combination with cannabis followed by tobacco (Figure 9). The majority of Canadians never combined cannabis use with illegal opioids (99%), prescription stimulants (96%), prescription opioids (95%), prescription sedatives (95%), illegal stimulants (94%), or illegal hallucinogens/dissociatives (91%), all unchanged from 2019.

Figure 9: Past 12 months, use of alcohol and tobaccoFootnote 1 in combinationFootnote 2 with cannabis, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 9

1 Multiple response options could be selected.
2 Combined was defined as mixed or consumed at the same time.

Figure 9 - Text Equivalent
Figure 9: Past 12 months, use of alcohol and tobaccoFootnote 1 in combinationFootnote 2 with cannabis, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Frequency Alcohol
(%)
Tobacco
(%)
Often/always 17 17
Sometimes 30 8
Rarely 26 7
Never 27 68
Table 9 Footnote 1

Multiple response options could be selected.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Table 9 Footnote 2

Combined was defined as mixed or consumed at the same time.

Return to footnote 2 referrer

Effects of cannabis use

People who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about the effects of their cannabis use on various aspects of their lives (Figure 10). As in 2019, the percentage reporting somewhat to very harmful effects was less than 10% across all categories.

Figure 10: Past 12 months, effects of cannabis use, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 10
Figure 10 - Text Equivalent
Figure 10: Past 12 months, effects of cannabis use, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Somewhat/very beneficial
(%)
No effect
(%)
Somewhat/very harmful
(%)
Friendships or social life 35 62 3
Physical health 25 66 9
Mental health 46 47 6
Home life or marriage 27 69 4
Quality of life 50 46 4
Performance at work or school 14 80 5

Professional help for cannabis use

Most people (97%) who had used cannabis more than once in their lifetime reported they never felt they needed professional help (such as treatment or counselling) for their cannabis use, unchanged from 2019. Only 2% reported ever having received professional help, unchanged from 2019.

Where cannabis is stored inside the home

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked about where they store cannabis inside the home. Among those who currently had cannabis stored at home, storage locations included unlocked cabinets or drawers (36%); childproof containers (30%); locked containers (19%); and open shelves or tables (17%), all unchanged from 2019.

Willingness to disclose cannabis use

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked if they would be more willing to publicly disclose their cannabis use now that it is legal. Fifty-one percent (51%) reported they would be more willing to publicly disclose whether they use cannabis, a decrease from 55% in 2019. Twenty-five percent (25%) said they were already willing to disclose whether they use cannabis (unchanged from 2019) and 18% said they would not be more willing to say if they use cannabis, an increase from 14% in 2019.

Sources and purchasing

Canadians who reported using cannabis for non-medical purposes were asked detailed questions about their use of cannabis. Topics included sources used to obtain cannabis, average amount spent each month, type and frequency of cannabis products purchased or received, average price per unit of purchases, proportion of people who receive cannabis products for free. The results presented under “Sources and purchasing” refer specifically to people who reported using cannabis for non-medical purposes.

Sources used to obtain the cannabis product

People who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months were asked from whom they usually obtained cannabis in the past 12 months. Forty-one percent (41%) reported they had made a purchase from a legal storefront, significantly higher than in 2019 when it was 24%. Figure 11 displays the sources used to obtain cannabis.

Figure 11: Past 12 months, from whom cannabis was usually obtained among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2019 to 2020
Figure 11

* Significantly different compared to 2019.

Figure 11 - Text Equivalent
Figure 11: Past 12 months, from whom cannabis was usually obtained among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2019 to 2020
Usual source of cannabis 2019
(%)
2020
(%)
From a legal storefrontFootnote * 24 41
FriendFootnote * 22 16
From a legal online source 13 13
Shared around a group of friendsFootnote * 10 7
Grow my own/grown for me 6 7
Family member 5 4
From an illegal storefrontFootnote * 7 3
From an illegal online source 4 3
DealerFootnote * 6 3
AcquaintanceFootnote * 2 1
Table 11 Footnote *

Significantly different compared to 2019.

Return to footnote * referrer

New in this cycle, those who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked how often they purchased any cannabis from legal/licensed sources and from illegal/unlicensed sources (Figure 12).

Figure 12: Past 12 months, frequency of obtaining cannabis from an illegal/unlicensed or legal/licensed source, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 12
Figure 12 - Text Equivalent
Figure 12: Past 12 months, frequency of obtaining cannabis from an illegal/unlicensed or legal/licenced source, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Frequency Illegal/unlicensed
(%)
Legal/licensed
(%)
Always 9 37
Mostly 10 16
Sometimes 11 12
Rarely 15 14
Never 55 20

Canadians who used cannabis in the past 12 months who obtained cannabis from a legal/licensed source were asked to identify all sources used. People could select more than one source. Responses included using a regulated/authorized storefront (71%), a regulated/authorized online retailer (29%), and growing at home (6%). Thirty-five percent (35%) reported their source came from someone sharing, and of those Canadians, 23% of them paid the person that shared with them. Seventy-two percent (72%) indicated that there was no change in access to legal/licensed cannabis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadians who used cannabis in the past 12 months who obtained cannabis from an illegal/unlicensed source were asked to identify all sources used. People could select more than one source. Responses included buying from someone they knew (58%), an unregulated/unauthorized online retailer (22%), from a dealer (20%), and an unregulated/unauthorized storefront (19%). Seventy-eight percent (78%) indicated that there was no change in access to illegal/unlicensed cannabis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

People who used cannabis in the past 12 months were asked how often a cannabis product they intended to buy from a provincially regulated retailer was unavailable. The most common response was never (33%), followed by sometimes (21%), rarely (18%), often (12%) and always (5%). Twelve percent (12%) reported that they never intended to buy from a provincially regulated retailer. People were also asked to rank which factors most influenced who they usually obtain cannabis from. The three factors with the highest percentage of first priority ranking were price (29%), safe supply (26%) and quality (15%) (Figure 13).

Figure 13: Factors that most influenced from whom cannabis was obtained, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 13
Figure 13 - Text Equivalent
Figure 13: Factors that most influences from whom cannabis was obtained, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 2020
Factors Rank %
1 2 3
Price 29 16 12
Safe supply 26 17 9
Quality 15 27 19
Convenience 8 11 15
Ability to purchase from a legal source 6 6 8
Strength 2 8 10

Average amount spent on cannabis each month

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months indicated typically spending close to $67 on cannabis products each month, unchanged from 2019. On average, females reported spending less on cannabis than males.
New in 2020 survey cycle, people who had used cannabis in the past 30 days were asked how much they spent on cannabis from legal or illegal sources in the past 30 days. People reported spending approximately $49 in the past 30 days to obtain cannabis from legal sources, and $47 from illegal sources.

When looking at spending by province and territories, those who used cannabis in the past 12 months indicated typically spending as little as $47 on cannabis products each month to as much as $105. Depending on where they lived, people who used cannabis in the past 30 days reported spending between $42 and $73 in the past 30 days to obtain cannabis from legal sources, compared to between $31 and $76 to obtain cannabis from illegal sources.

Cannabis products bought or received, and at what frequency

People who had used cannabis in the past 30 days were asked about the cannabis products they bought or received in the past 30 days and the frequency of these two occurrences. The most common response options selected were buying or receiving dried flower/leaf (71%, a decrease from 83% in 2019), followed by edibles (27%, an increase from 20% in 2019). Cannabis oil for oral use (12%), and vape pens (11%) were both unchanged from 2019. Hashish/kief (7%) decreased from 2019 (10%), as did concentrates/extracts (6% in 2020 and 9% in 2019). For all products, the most common frequency of obtaining them was one day per month.

The average amount purchased in the past 30 days varied by product type. On average, people who used cannabis in the past 30 days purchased or received 17 grams of dried flower/leaf, 7 servings of edibles, 6 grams of hashish/kief, 2 cannabis cartridges/vape pens, and 20 millilitres of cannabis oil for oral use, all unchanged from 2019.

Average price per unit of purchases, by product type

People who had purchased cannabis in the past 30 days reported the average price per unit by product type. Over the past 30 days, people spent the most per unit on cannabis cartridges/vape pens ($47.18/cartridge) and concentrates and extracts ($30.10/gram), both unchanged from 2019. The average price per unit for the more frequently used product types was $10.48 per gram of dried flower/leaf; $6.97 per serving for edibles; and $14.09 per gram of hashish/kief, all unchanged from 2019.

Proportion of people who use cannabis and receive cannabis products for free

Of the Canadians who had obtained cannabis in the past 30 days, some reported receiving cannabis products for free. Overall, 17% of Canadians obtained free edibles, unchanged from 2019, and 11% obtained free dried flower/leaf, unchanged from 2019. When looking specifically at dried flower/leaf, more females (17%) reported obtaining these products for free compared to males (7%).

Driving and cannabis

People who had used cannabis in the past 12 months for non-medical purposes were asked about their driving habits relative to cannabis use and cannabis use in combination with alcohol or other drugs. Canadians were asked if they had ever been a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone within two hours of using cannabis, and Canadians were also asked for their opinions on cannabis and driving.

People who operated a vehicle after using cannabis, and at what frequency

The CCS specifically looked at driving after using cannabis. Canadians were asked about both driving within two hours of smoking/ vapourizing cannabis or a cannabis product and about driving within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product. New for this survey cycle, Canadians were asked about the type of cannabis product used prior to driving after smoking/vapourizing cannabis or ingesting a cannabis product.

Among people who had used cannabis in the past 12 months, 22% reported that they had ever driven within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis, (a decrease from 26% in 2019). Thirty-nine percent (39%) did so within the past 30 days, 32% within the past 12 months, and 29% more than 12 months ago. This behaviour was more prevalent among males and those 20 to 24 years and 25 years and older (Figure 14). The most common types of cannabis products smoked or vaped within two hours of driving were THC predominant (40%) and THC only (35%). Provincial and territorial estimates of ever driven within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis ranged from 17% to 33%. Estimates on how recently this occurred are suppressed for most regions due to the small sample size.

Among people who had used cannabis in the past 12 months, 13% reported that they had ever driven within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product (a decrease from 16% in 2019). Thirty-two percent (32%) did so within the past 30 days, 40% within the past 12 months, and 29% more than 12 months ago. This behaviour was more prevalent among males (Figure 14). The most common types of cannabis products ingested within four hours of driving were THC predominant (40%) and THC only (29%).

Figure 14: Ever driven a vehicle within two hours of smoking or vaping cannabis, and/or within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, by sex and age group, 2020
Figure 14

* Significantly different compared to females for ever driving within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis and for ever driving within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product
** Significantly different compared to those 20-24 years and those 25+ years for ever driving within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis

Figure 14 - Text Equivalent
Figure 14: Ever driven a vehicle within two hours of smoking or vaping cannabis, and/or within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product, among people who used cannabis in the past 12 months, by sex and age group, 2020
Demographic group Ever driven within 2 hours of smoking or vaping cannabis
(%)
Ever driven within 4 hours of ingesting a cannabis product
(%)
Overall 22 13
MalesFootnote * 28 17
Females 15 9
16-19 yearsFootnote ** 16 12
20-24 years 22 12
25+ years 23 14
Table 14 Footnote *

Significantly different compared to females for ever driving within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis and for ever driving within four hours of ingesting a cannabis product.

Return to footnote * referrer

Table 14 Footnote **

Significantly different compared to those 20-24 years and those 25+ years for ever driving within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis.

Return to footnote ** referrer

People who operated a vehicle within two hours of using cannabis in combination with alcohol or other drugs

People who indicated they had ever driven within two hours of smoking/vapourizing cannabis or within four hours of ingesting cannabis were also asked if they drove a vehicle within two hours of using cannabis in combination with alcohol. Nineteen percent (19%) of them reported that they had driven a vehicle within two hours of using cannabis in combination with alcohol, unchanged from 2019. Of those who had driven after using cannabis in combination with alcohol, 34% did so within the past 30 days, 30% within the past 12 months, and 36% more than 12 months ago, all unchanged from 2019. Males had a higher prevalence (21%) of driving within two hours of cannabis use in combination with alcohol than females (15%).

The same people were also asked if they drove a vehicle within two hours of using cannabis in combination with other drugs. Seven percent (7%) of them reported that they had driven a vehicle within two hours of using cannabis in combination with other drugs, unchanged from 2019.

Reasons people operated a vehicle after recent use of cannabis

People who indicated they had ever driven within two hours of smoking/vapourizing cannabis or within four hours of ingesting cannabis were asked why they drove after using cannabis. People were allowed to select more than one reason. The most common reason was because the person did not feel impaired (78%, unchanged from 2019), followed by they thought they could drive carefully (24%, an increase from 20% in 2019), did not have far to drive (23%, an increase from 19% in 2019), no alternative transportation (12%, an increase from 9% in 2019), did not think they would be caught by law enforcement (9%, unchanged from 2019), and other reasons (8%, unchanged from 2019).

People who were passengers in a vehicle driven by someone within two hours of using cannabis

Canadians were asked if they had ever been a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who had used cannabis within the previous two hours. Overall, 23% of people reported having ever been a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who had recently used cannabis; this is a decrease from 28% in 2019. This behaviour was more common among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months (50%), a decrease from 60%, compared to those who did not use cannabis (13%), also a decrease from 17% in 2019. The immediacy of this behaviour, among people who indicated using cannabis in the past 12 months, ranged from within the past 30 days (18%, a decrease from 27% 2019), within the past 12 months (32%, unchanged), to more than 12 months ago (50%, an increase from 41% in 2019). For those who did not use cannabis in the past 12 months, 6% reported being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who had recently used cannabis in the past 30 days, 13% in the past year, and 81% reported this happening more than 12 months ago, all unchanged from 2019.

Provincial and territorial estimates of ever being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who had used cannabis within two hours of driving ranged from 18% to 38%.

Interaction with law enforcement related to driving

Two percent (2%) of people who had used cannabis in the past 12 months reported having an interaction with law enforcement related to driving under the influence of cannabis while they were the driver of a vehicle, unchanged from 2019.

Opinions on cannabis use and driving

People were asked for their opinions on how cannabis use affects driving. More than eight in ten (83%) people reported that they think that cannabis use affects driving. This is a decrease from 85% in 2019. This dropped to 77% when looking at responses from those who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months (an increase compared to 69% in 2019). Fourteen percent (14%) of those who reported using cannabis in the past 12 months responded that it depends (a decrease from 19%), or that it did not affect driving (7%), a decrease from 9%.

People were asked for their opinion on the time it takes until it is safe to drive after cannabis use. Thirty-one percent (31%) reported that they did not know when it was safe to drive. A further 25% of people said eight or more hours, while 15% said three to five hours. Comparisons are not possible to 2019 data due to changes in response options.

Opinions on likelihood of being caught driving under the influence

Canadians were asked how likely they thought it was that a person would be caught by police if they drove under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of cannabis. Likelihood was determined using a 5-point Likert scale, which had the following categories: not at all likely, not likely, somewhat likely, likely, and extremely likely.

Among all people, the most common response for both being caught driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of cannabis was ‘somewhat likely’ (41% and 40%, respectively). However, 45% of people indicated likely, or extremely likely when asked about a driver being caught driving under the influence of alcohol (a decrease from 48% in 2019). This is higher than the 24% of people indicating likely, or extremely likely when asked about a driver being caught driving under the influence of cannabis, unchanged from 2019.

Cannabis for medical purposes

Canadians who indicated they had used cannabis in the past 12 months for medical purposes were asked if they would complete an additional section of the survey related to this use. Questions related to the source of the product, type of product, frequency of use, type of strain, how much was used in a typical day, diseases and symptoms addressed by cannabis use, and changes in use of other medications as a result of cannabis use. Of the 1,606 respondents who indicated they had used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 12 months, 905 agreed to complete the medical use section of the survey. The results presented under “Cannabis for medical purposes” refer specifically to people who reported using cannabis for medical purposes in the past 12 months.

Medical use

People were asked about their cannabis use in the past 12 months. Fourteen percent (14%) of Canadians aged 16 years and older indicated that they used cannabis for medical purposes, unchanged from 2019. Provincial and territorial estimates ranged from 7% to 21%.

Seventy-four percent (74%) of people who used cannabis in the past 12 months for medical purposes and who completed the medical section of the survey reported using cannabis in the past 30 days for medical purposes, unchanged from 2019.

Possession of medical documents

When we asked people if they used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 12 months, they were asked to specify whether this use was with or without documentation from a healthcare professional. Three percent (3%) of Canadians aged 16 years and older, or 24% of those who used cannabis for medical purposes, said they did so with a document from a healthcare professional. The majority (76%) did not have a document from a healthcare professional. These percentages were unchanged from 2019.

Changes in use of other medications

Canadians who completed the medical section of the survey were asked if cannabis use for medical purposes allowed them to decrease their use of other medications. The majority of people reported that cannabis use helped decrease their use of other medications (57%, unchanged from 61% in 2019). Twenty percent (20%, unchanged from 22% in 2019) reported that this question was not applicable.

Frequency of cannabis use for medical purposes

People who completed the medical section of the survey were asked about the frequency they used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 12 months. Frequencies remained unchanged from 2019 and the most common frequency reported was daily (35%) (Figure 15).

Figure 15: Frequency of cannabis use for medical purposes in the past 12 months, 2020
Figure 15
Figure 15 - Text Equivalent
Figure 15: Frequency of cannabis use for medical purposes in the past 12 months, 2020
Frequency Percentage (%)
Less than 1 day per month 14
1 day per month 6
2-3 days per month 16
1-2 days per week 13
3-4 days per week 9
5-6 days per week 8
Daily 35

Types of cannabis products used for medical purposes

People who completed the medical section were asked about the types of cannabis products they used within the last year. The three main products used were dried flower/leaf (54%, a decrease from 60% in 2019), cannabis oil for oral use (48%, unchanged from 2019), and edibles (33%, unchanged from 2019). Other products reported by these Canadians included cannabis cartridges/vape pens (14%, a decrease from 17% in 2019); topical ointments (18%, unchanged from 2019); concentrates and extracts (10%, a decrease from 13% in 2019); hashish/kief (9%, unchanged from 2019); and beverages (4%, unchanged from 2019).

Those who were 16 to 19 years old and 20 to 24 years old (75% and 79%, respectively) had a higher prevalence of using dried flower/leaf than those 25 years and older (50%). Males also had a higher percentage of using dried flower/leaf than females (64% and 47%, respectively).

Those who completed the medical section were also asked about the frequency at which they used these cannabis products. Dried flower/leaf had a variety of responses, which ranged from daily/almost daily use (49%), weekly use (18%), monthly use (18%), and less than one day a month (15%). The only change from 2019 was in the percentage reporting weekly use, a decrease from 25%. Cannabis oil for oral use also had a variety of responses, which ranged from less than one day a month (19%), monthly use (23%), weekly use (22%), and daily/almost daily use (37%), all unchanged from 2019.

Relative levels of THC and CBD in cannabis products used for medical purposes

In the 2019 cycle of the CCS, people who completed the medical section of the survey were asked about the relative levels of THC and CBD in the cannabis products they typically use. New in the 2020 cycle, additional response options were added to better differentiate comparative levels being used. Twenty-six percent (26%) indicated higher CBD and lower THC, 21% selected higher THC and lower CBD, 12% indicated equal levels of THC and CBD, 15% indicated using CBD only products, and 14% indicated they used a mix of different products. Seven percent (7%) indicated they did not know the relative levels of THC and CBD, unchanged from 2019.

Average amount used on a typical use day for medical purposes

People who completed the medical section of the survey were also asked to report the average amount of cannabis used on a typical use day. Of those who had used dried flower/leaf, the average amount used on a typical use day was 1.8 grams (unchanged from 2019) whereas those who used edible cannabis products consumed approximately 1.3 servings (an increase from 1.1 servings in 2019); cartridges/vape pens, 0.1 cartridges, (unchanged from 2019); hashish, 0.6 grams, (unchanged from 2019); and beverages, 350 millilitres, (unchanged from 2019). Among those who used cannabis oil for oral use, the average amount used was 1.4 millilitres, and for concentrates/extracts, the average amount was 0.4 grams, both unchanged from 2019.

Sources used to obtain cannabis products for medical purposes

People who completed the medical section of the survey were asked where they obtained cannabis for medical purposes (Figure 16). Canadians could select multiple sources. In 2020, the top five sources to obtain cannabis for medical purposes were from a legal storefront (44%, an increase from 27% in 2019); a legal online source (23%, unchanged from 2019); a Health Canada licensed producer (22%, unchanged from 2019); a friend (17%, a decrease from 21% in 2019); and growing their own or having it grown for them (16%, an increase from 9% in 2019). Of those who obtained cannabis from a Health Canada licensed producer, 76% reported they will continue to access cannabis from a licensed producer now that legal retail sales for non-medical cannabis are available (unchanged from 2019).

Figure 16: Past 12 months, from whom cannabis was usually obtainedFootnote 1 among past 12-month medical users, 2020
Figure 16

1 Multiple response options could be selected.

Figure 16 - Text Equivalent
Figure 16: Past 12 months, from whom cannabis was usually obtainedFootnote 1 among past 12-month medical users, 2020
Usual sources of cannabis Percentage (%)
From a legal storefront 44
From a legal online source 23
Health Canada licensed producer 22
Friend 17
Grow my own/grown for me 16
Family member 9
From an illegal online source 8
Dealer 6
From an illegal storefront 6
Shared around a group of friends 4
Acquaintance 4
Table 16 Footnote 1

Multiple response options could be selected.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Average amount spent on cannabis for medical purposes in a typical month

People who used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 12 months and who completed the medical section of the survey spent approximately $93 (unchanged from 2019) on cannabis for medical purposes in a typical month. New in the 2020 cycle, people who used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 30 days were asked how much they spent on cannabis in the past 30 days from both legal and illegal sources. The average amount spent on cannabis from legal sources was $75 and the average amount spent on cannabis from illegal sources was $42.

We also asked if people currently had insurance coverage for cannabis for medical purposes. Most people (91%, a decrease from 94% in 2019) did not have any insurance coverage. Five percent (5%) indicated they had partial insurance coverage and a further 4% said they were fully covered, both unchanged from 2019.

Cannabis products for medical purposes bought or received, and at what frequency

People who used cannabis for medical purposes in the past 30 days were asked about the cannabis products they bought or received in the past 30 days and the frequency of these occurrences. The most common response options selected were buying or receiving dried flower/leaf (53%, a decrease from 61% in 2019) followed by cannabis oil for oral use (39%, unchanged from 2019), and edibles (22%, an increase from 17% in 2019). For all products, the most common frequency of obtaining them was one day per month.

The average amount purchased for medical use in the past 30 days varied by product type. On average, people who used cannabis purchased or received 25.2 grams (unchanged from 2019) of dried flower/leaf, 10.2 servings of edibles (an increase from 6.1 servings in 2019), and 1.6 cartridges/vape pens (unchanged from 2019). For cannabis oil for oral use, the average quantity obtained was 25.3 millilitres (unchanged from 2019).

Average price per unit of cannabis purchases for medical purposes, by product type

People who purchased cannabis for medical purposes in the past 30 days also reported the average price per unit by product type. Over the past 30 days, people who used cannabis for medical purposes spent the most per unit on cannabis cartridges/vape pens ($51.06/cartridge, unchanged from 2019). For the more commonly purchased products the average price per unit were $13.48 per gram for dried flower, $6.69 per serving for edibles, and $14.88 per millilitre for cannabis oil for oral use, all unchanged from 2019.

Opinions on cannabis use for medical purposes and driving

People who completed the medical section of the survey were asked if they believed that cannabis use for medical purposes impairs one's ability to drive. More of these people reported that 'yes', cannabis use for medical purposes impairs one's ability to drive (46%, unchanged from 2019), compared to those who reported 'no' (21%, unchanged from 2019) and 'it depends' (27%, a decrease from 32% in 2019). The same people were also asked for their opinion on the time until it was safe to drive after using cannabis for medical purposes. The most common responses were three to five hours (19%), don't know (16%), eight or more hours (14%), and one to three hours (11%). Eight percent (8%) of these people indicated that it was safe to drive immediately after cannabis use for medical purposes.

Driving a vehicle after using cannabis for medical purposes, and at which frequency

Driving after using cannabis for medical purposes was studied among people who completed the medical section of the survey. The questions about driving after recent cannabis use were split based on the method of cannabis use. People were asked if they had ever driven within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis and also if they had ever driven within four hours of orally ingesting cannabis. Overall, 20% reported they had ever driven within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis (a decrease from 26% in 2019). Of those who had driven after smoking or vapourizing cannabis, 45% did so within the past 30 days, 33% within the past 12 months, and 22% more than 12 months ago, all unchanged from 2019. When asked about driving within four hours of ingesting cannabis, 16% reported doing so in their lifetime (a decrease from 20% in 2019). For those who had driven after ingesting cannabis, 49% reported doing so within the past 30 days and 29% within the past 12 months, both unchanged from 2019.

A greater proportion of males (31%) reported driving within two hours of smoking or vapourizing cannabis for medical purposes compared to females (11%). This pattern persisted for driving within four hours of ingesting cannabis (23% and 11%, respectively).

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Data over the past three years 

The Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018. Many of the CCS questions relate to cannabis use in the past 12 months. Thus, the results from the 2020 CCS cycle are the first to reflect a full 12-month period following legalization and regulation. Key findings on cannabis use for non-medical purposes from 2018, 2019 and 2020 are compared to examine self-reported changes since legalization and regulation.

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