The proportion of cannabis users is falling in Quebec, especially among young people

L’Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) has published the latest data from the’Quebec cannabis survey, the annual portrait of cannabis use in Quebec in 2024.

Although the overall consumption rate has remained relatively stable compared with previous years, significant trends are emerging, particularly among different age groups and consumption patterns.

18% of Quebecers will use cannabis in 2024

According to the ISQ survey of over 15,000 people aged 15 and over, 18% of Quebecers reported having used cannabis in the past year. This proportion is slightly down on previous years, when consumption peaked at around 20%. However, this overall stability masks demographic changes that are worth highlighting.

These are younger adults with the sharpest declines in consumption. For example, cannabis consumption among 18-20 year-olds fell from 33% in 2021-2022 to 28% in 2023-2024. Similarly, consumption among 21-24 year-olds fell from 42% to 36%, and among 25-34 year-olds from 36.5% to 32%.

One age group, however, is on the rise: the elderly. aged 35 and over, from 12 to 13.4% between 2023 and 2024.

Why do Quebecers use cannabis?

ISQ survey sheds light on reasons for cannabis use. The vast majority cite pleasure (80%), expansion (79%) and the socialization (69%) as their main motivations. Nearly half (49%) use it to feel «high», and 45% use it to "get high". facilitate sleep.

However, one trend that stands out is the increase in the number of consumers citing the need to or dependence as a factor: 12% of those surveyed in 2024 said they had used cannabis to satisfy a craving or because of an addiction, compared with 9% in 2022.

Consumption patterns: Occasional or daily

Among those who have consumed cannabis in 2024, 17% declared daily consumption, while 23% were regular users (1 to 6 times a week). Occasional users (1 to 3 times a month) accounted for 18%, and 42% consumed less than once a month.

In other words, if the’daily use of cannabis remains relatively limited, with the majority of Quebecers consuming it. infrequently.

Smoking still dominates, but vaping is declining among young people

With regard to consumption patterns, combustion remains the dominant mode, 81% users who said they had smoked cannabis in the past year. Visit edible products are the second most popular method (32%), followed by oral drops (21%).

The smoking cannabis, formerly on the rise, seems to have reached a turning point, particularly in the young Quebecers. In 2024, 57% of 15- to 20-year-olds had smoked cannabis, down significantly from 62% the previous year. This is the first decline recorded for this group since the surveys began.

Of those who vaped, 72% did so no more than three times a month, while only 9% said they vaped daily.

Where do Quebecers get their cannabis?

The Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) remains the main source of supply. In 2024, 69% of consumers will obtain cannabis from SQDC, either exclusively or in combination with other sources. Some 36% used family or friends, and 13% purchased cannabis from legal sources in other provinces.

This breakdown is in line with previous years, which indicates a high level of confidence in the legal cannabis retail channels in the province.

Public perceptions and safety concerns

L’social acceptability of cannabis consumption remains high, albeit slightly lower than in recent years. In 2024, 61% of Quebecers said that occasional use of cannabis for non-medical purposes was socially acceptable, compared to 63% in 2022. Furthermore, a strong majority - 86% - felt that cannabis impairs driving ability.

Another survey revelation: 1.9% households reported the’accidental ingestion of cannabis by a person or a pet, data being tracked for the first time in Quebec.

In addition, 25% of consumers admitted to not knowing the cannabinoid content of the products they use, which raises questions about awareness and product transparency.