Notice of release
Montréal, October 15, 2021. – The proportion of cannabis users aged 15 and over increased from 14% to nearly 20% between 2018 and 2021 in Québec. This increase was observed in all age groups 25 years and over. However, among 15- to 17-year-olds, the proportion of users declined by about 3 percentage points between 2018 and 2021. This is one of the findings from the first results of the 2021 edition of the Québec Cannabis Survey released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec in an infographic.
Consommation de cannabis au cours des 12 mois précédant l’enquête
Cannabis use and the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have had an impact on some users. Of the 20% of Quebecers who used cannabis in the past year, 24% reported an increase in use because of the pandemic, while 72% reported no change in use.
Cannabis users with high levels of psychological distress were more likely to report increased cannabis use due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Québec Cannabis Survey
Conducted between February and June 2021, the third edition of the Québec Cannabis Survey (QCS) examines the prevalence and frequency of cannabis use and various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to cannabis use. Detailed results from the third edition will be available in April 2022./p>
The QCS, carried out by the Institut de la statistique du Québec on behalf of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, is designed to monitor trends in cannabis use. The first edition of the survey was conducted in 2018, prior to the legalization of cannabis. The second (2019) and third (2021) edition continue to study patterns of cannabis use in Québec and their evolution since legalization.
View the infographic (in French only)..
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.