In 2022, almost one in five Quebecers (19%) used cannabis in the year, 23% of men and 16% of women. There was no significant change between 2021 and 2022, but the proportion of Quebecers who have used cannabis has increased since 2018 (before legalization), from 14% to 19%. This is according to the Quebec Cannabis Survey 2022 report released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Largest proportion of users among 21-34 year olds
In 2022, the largest proportions of cannabis users are among 21-24 year olds (40%) and 25-34 year olds (37%). Since 2018, there has been a decrease in the proportion of users among 15-17 year olds and an increase among those 25 and older.
Cannabis vaping is growing in popularity
Among users, there has been an increase in the proportion who have vaped cannabis in the past year (19% in 2021 vs. 24% in 2022). Among 15 to 17 year olds, this proportion increased from 44% in 2021 to 70% in 2022, representing more than two out of three users in this age group. It should be noted that vaping cannabis products are not legally sold in Quebec.
The most popular mode of consumption remains smoking cannabis. In 2022, 82% of cannabis users smoked cannabis, a decrease from 85% in 2021.
How often do people use cannabis?
Nearly 42% of Quebecers who used cannabis during the year used it less than one day per month, about 19% used it occasionally (1 to 3 days per month), 24% regularly (1 to 6 days per week) and 14% daily. These proportions are comparable to those observed each year since 2018.
Fewer consumers are buying from illegal suppliers
In 2022, about 67% of cannabis users obtained cannabis at least once from the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), a proportion comparable to that of 2021. Nearly 41% obtained it from a family member, friend or acquaintance, and 8% from an illegal supplier, a proportion that has decreased since 2021 when it was 11%. It should be noted that a consumer may have reported using multiple sources.
The vast majority of youth are exposed to awareness messages
About 79% of Quebecers aged 15 and older reported having seen or heard awareness messages (education campaigns or health or public safety messages) about cannabis in the 12 months preceding the survey. The 15-17 year-olds are the most likely to report having been exposed to such messages (91%), followed by the 18-20 year-olds (88%) and the 21-24 year-olds (86%).