Changes in patterns of use and perceptions of cannabis among students in Canada: A decade of data from the Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey

Abstract

Introduction

The Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey is a biennial, repeat cross-sectional survey of grade 7–12 students in the Canadian provinces. This study examined cannabis-related behaviours at five timepoints before and after legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes.

Methods

Trends over time were examined using data from 2014–15 to 2023–24 (n = 264,558). Binary logistic regression examined changes in cannabis use and related behaviours, including frequency; usual method of use; perceived risk and access; usual source; and motor vehicle behaviours. Data were stratified by sex and grade group (grade 7–9 vs. 10–12).

Results

Overall, there was no change in prevalence of past 12-month, past 30-day, or frequent cannabis use (p > 0.05 for all); however, modest increases were observed among females and grade 7–9 students (p < 0.05 for both). Vaping surpassed smoking as the most common method of consumption in 2023–24. Smoking and dabbing cannabis decreased over time, whereas vaping and eating cannabis increased (p < 0.001 for all). Perceived risk of regularly smoking cannabis decreased (p < 0.001), and perceived ease of cannabis access increased (p < 0.001). The most common cannabis sources were social sources. There was no change in driving after using cannabis (p > 0.05), whereas there was a recent increase in riding with a driver who had used cannabis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

While legalization and regulation of cannabis for non-medical purposes was not associated with increases in overall cannabis use among students in Canada, increasing rates of use in females and younger students, and changes in perceptions of risk and accessibility require continued monitoring.