Canadians spent 5.7 billion $ on cannabis in 2017

According to a Statistics Canada, Canadians spent $5.7 billion (€3.7 billion) on cannabis in 2017, most of it on the grey and black markets.

StatCan has compiled these figures in order to track the evolution of the cannabis landscape in Canada before it finally buries its cannabis prohibition next July. The study looked at a number of factors to assess the potential effects that on the country's GDP.

The report tracks the evolution of cannabis spending from 1961 to 2017. It shows that the price of cannabis peaked in 1989, and has been falling since 1990. Today, a gram of cannabis costs 7.50$ or €4.90, according to the study.

Also, since 2000, only 18% of cannabis purchases have been made by people aged 15 to 17. Canadians between 18 and 24 accounted for 33% of purchasers, and those between 25 and 44 for around 40%.

One of the stated aims of the legalizing cannabis in Canada was to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors, which the country should have no trouble doing, given the typology of buyers. On the other hand, it will give adults legal, regulated, controlled and taxed access to a substance they already use.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this study is the evolution of consumption. among baby boomers. Canadians between the ages of 45 and 64 have become heavier users over the past 40 years. In 1975, cannabis consumption at this age was 4%. In 2017, it represents 23%.