Montréal, March 11, 2020 – The Institut de la statistique du Québec released today the report of the 2019 edition of the Québec Cannabis Survey (QCS). Carried out from February to June 2019, this second edition of the QCS explores, among other things, the prevalence and frequency of cannabis use, supply sources and public perceptions of cannabis.
The report reveals that the proportion of people aged 15 years and over who reported using cannabis in the three months prior to the survey increased slightly, from 11% in 2018 to 13% in 2019.
Increasing among men, women and the 35-54 age group
There is an increase in the proportion of users among men (14% in 2018 vs. 17% in 2019) and women (8% in 2018 vs. 9% in 2019). The proportion of users has also increased among those aged 35-54 (9% in 2018 vs. 13% in 2019). However, among those aged 15 to 17, 18 to 24 and 25 to 34, the changes were not statistically significant.
Proportion of Quebecers who reported using cannabis in the three months prior to the survey, by age group
+ Statistically significant increase from 2018
Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec, Québec Cannabis Survey, 2018 and 2019.
Increasing acceptance of use and changing perceptions of risk
Between 2018 and 2019, there was an increase in the proportion of Quebecers aged 15 years and over who consider occasional cannabis use to be completely or somewhat socially acceptable (49% vs. 62%). This increase was observed among both males and females, as well as across all age groups surveyed.
Furthermore, in 2019, about 42% of people aged 15 years and over believe that occasional cannabis use poses minimal health risks, while 21% believe it poses no risk at all.
The proportion of people who believe that cannabis impairs driving ability increased slightly between the two editions of the survey, from 84% to 87%.
Most popular supply sources
In 2019, in Québec, the main sources of cannabis cited by people who had used it in the 12 months preceding the survey were: 1) a family member, friend or acquaintance; 2) the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC); and 3) an illegal supplier. It should be noted that during the period covered by the survey, the SQDC was only open for a few months.
The Québec Cannabis Survey
The QCS, entrusted to the Institut de la statistique du Québec by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, is designed to measure changes in cannabis use. The first edition of the survey was conducted in 2018, prior to the legalization of cannabis.
Comparisons of the 2019 edition results with those of 2018 should be interpreted with caution. Indeed, two observations over time are often not sufficient to identify a trend. The third edition of the QCS will continue to study the patterns in cannabis use in Québec and their evolution since legalization. In March 2021, the results of this third edition will be available.
- Read the full 2019 QCS report (in French only): La consommation de cannabis et les perceptions des Québécois. Portrait et comparaison avec l’édition de 2018.
- 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.