Ottawa, ON – In the years following Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis, new research indicates a notable decline in adolescent cannabis use. However, this positive trend is accompanied by evolving concerns, particularly the increasing implication of mental health issues and a shifting landscape of risk factors among young people.
A comprehensive study, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors and utilizing data from the ongoing COMPASS Study across 85 Canadian secondary schools, reveals that adolescent cannabis use has decreased in the four years after legalization compared to pre-legalization periods. The study collected anonymous, self-administered questionnaires from students in multiple provinces, providing a broad overview of youth substance use trends.
Study Details Declining Adolescent Cannabis Use
The research identified distinct risk profiles among students. While an overall decline in use was observed, specific groups exhibited varying patterns. The study categorized students into groups based on their likelihood of cannabis use, with a lowest-risk group showing a low probability of use. Conversely, higher-risk groups were identified with elevated probabilities of current cannabis use, with the highest-risk group reporting a significant likelihood of use. These findings underscore that while general use may be decreasing, targeted prevention efforts are still crucial for specific student demographics.
Shifting Risk Factors: Mental Health at the Forefront
Beyond the overall reduction in use, the study highlights a significant shift in the profile of risk factors associated with cannabis consumption among youth. Researchers noted an increasing implication of internalizing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in the patterns of use. This aligns with broader research indicating that cannabis use in adolescence can be linked to adverse mental health outcomes, including the development or exacerbation of psychosis, depression, and anxiety. As perceptions of cannabis risk evolve with legalization, prevention strategies are being called upon to adapt and address these complex interplays between mental well-being and substance use.
Navigating a Complex Data Landscape
The findings from the COMPASS study add to a complex picture emerging from various Canadian surveys. While some data initially suggested mixed results or even slight increases in use in the immediate post-legalization period, more recent comprehensive analyses, including the Canadian Cannabis Survey (CCS), have also indicated significant decreases in past-year cannabis use among youth aged 16-19 years, from 44% in 2020 to 37% in 2021 and remaining stable in 2022. However, the most recent 2024 CCS reported a slight increase to 41% for this age group over the past year, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this news. These variations can sometimes be attributed to different definitions of “youth” and survey methodologies across studies.
Encouragingly, rates of driving after cannabis use have seen a significant decline, dropping from 27% in 2018 to 18% in 2024 among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months. Furthermore, the proportion of Canadians obtaining cannabis from legal sources has surged to 72% in 2024, a substantial increase from 37% in 2019, suggesting a successful shift away from illicit markets for many consumers. Police-reported cannabis offences among youth have also decreased post-legalization.
Adapting Prevention and Addressing New Concerns
Despite the overall decline in youth use, public health officials caution that prevention efforts must continue to evolve. The normalization of cannabis use and potentially reduced perception of its risks among young people present ongoing challenges. Concerns persist regarding increased cannabis vaping among young people and a rise in accidental poisonings among children, particularly from edible products. Strategies such as plain packaging, clear health warnings, and strict enforcement of age restrictions remain vital. There is also a recognized need to identify characteristics of high-risk youth to tailor early intervention programs effectively.
Conclusion: A Cautious Outlook
Canada’s experience with cannabis legalization offers a nuanced view of its impact on youth. While the news of declining adolescent cannabis use is a positive development, it is not a cause for complete complacency. The trending narrative emphasizes the critical need for ongoing surveillance, adaptive prevention strategies, and a continued focus on the mental health and evolving risk perceptions of young Canadians. This dynamic situation requires sustained research and a commitment to public health goals in the years ahead.
