Cannabis experimentation among young British Columbians at its lowest level in 25 years

The latest survey conducted by McCreary Society reveals that the number of young people British Columbians having tried the cannabis reached its lowest level in a quarter of a century.

This in-depth study, which analyzed responses from 38,277 students from 59 school districts, offers a unique insight into trends in teenage cannabis use, five years after its legalization in Canada.

A drop in cannabis experimentation among young people

According to the McCreary Society's findings, the percentage of young people who have used cannabis at least once is from 25% in 2018 to 22% in 2023. This downward trend continues, suggesting that legalization has not led to an increase in teenage consumption.

These figures contradict early concerns that legalization might encourage more young people to experiment with cannabis. On the contrary, the decline can be attributed to increased awareness, regulation and education about cannabis use and its potential risks.

For the first time in the history of the survey, the more girls than boys report having tried cannabis. In addition, more girls than boys use cannabis for the first time at age 14 or younger.

Annie Smith, Executive Director of the McCreary Society, expressed concern about this trend: «We've always found that boys are more likely to have tried substances than girls, but this time the survey showed that girls were more likely than boys not only to use cannabis, but also to drink alcohol, vaper and smoke tobacco.».

She insisted on the importance of delaying the first consumption, as studies suggest that a early use of cannabis increases the likelihood of long-term problems.

Understanding the reasons for cannabis use

The survey shows that young people use cannabis for a variety of reasons. According to Annie Smith, «I think that when we talk about cannabis use among young people, we need to determine why they use it and what role cannabis plays in their lives.».

Some teenagers use cannabis out of curiosity or social pressure, while others use it to cope with stress, anxiety or sleep problems. Ms. Smith advises parents to have open, non-judgmental conversations with their teenagers, offering advice and information rather than condemning them, because recognizing these motivations is essential to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The McCreary Society also warns against risks associated with different consumption methods. While experts have long been recommending that young people start with low doses, Ms. Smith highlights a common pitfall for edibles and cannabis-infused drinks. She explains that «when cannabis is ingested in the form of food or drink, the effect can be slower and more deceptive, leading to bad experiences». This delay in the onset of the effect may lead users to consume more than expected, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

Looking to the future, the experts stress the need for targeted education, parental guidance and awareness-raising about responsible consumption to help young people make informed decisions about cannabis.