Use of flavored cannabis vaping products in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: findings from the international cannabis policy study wave 4 (2021).

Abstract

Background: Vaping is an increasingly popular mode of cannabis use. Few studies have characterized the role of flavors in cannabis e-liquids.Objectives: To explore the prevalence of flavored vaping liquids, including differences between countries and correlates of use.Methods: Data were from Wave 4 (2021) of the International Cannabis Policy Study with national samples aged 16-65 in Canada, the United States (US), Australia, and New Zealand. The sample comprised 52,938 respondents, including 6,265 who vaped cannabis e-liquids in the past 12-months (2,858 females, 3,407 males). Logistic regression models examined differences in the use of flavored e-liquids between countries and sociodemographic characteristics.Results: The prevalence of vaping cannabis e-liquids was highest in the US (15.3%) and Canada (10.7%) compared to Australia (4.0%) and New Zealand (3.7%). Among past 12-month cannabis consumers, 57.5% reported using flavored vaping liquids, 34.2% used unflavored vaping products and 8.3% did not know. People who vape in Australia were most likely to report using flavored liquids compared to New Zealand (OR = 2.29), Canada (OR = 3.14), and the US (OR = 3.14) (p < .05 for all). Fruit was the most reported vaping flavor (40.8%), followed by candy/dessert (20.4%) and vanilla (15.2%). Use of flavored vapes was greater among younger, ethnic minorities, female, higher education and income adequacy, and more frequent consumers (p < .05).Conclusion: Many cannabis consumers reported using flavored e-liquids, with highest levels among young people aged 16-35. Given the high prevalence of vaping in legal markets, regulators should consider the role of flavored vaping products in promoting cannabis use among this group.