ABOUT THE REPORT

This report examines the cannabis usage patterns among Canadians using data gathered from July 2022 to November 2023. The study focuses on the period after the legalization of cannabis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzes the results of the CUDIT-R (Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test) to identify trends related to coping mechanisms, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

This report examines the cannabis usage patterns among Canadians, including its connection to chronic pain, coping, anxiety and depression.

Responses were analyzed using the Cannabis Use Disorder Test (CUDIT-R) tool. CUDIT-R is an 8-item questionnaire designed to identify individuals who have been using cannabis in harmful or problematic ways in the last six months.

Key findings:

• 24% of individuals reported cannabis use. Among these users, 45% reported using it on a monthly basis or less frequently, while 27% claimed to consume it four or more times a week.

• Two in five individuals (44%) have considered cutting down on consumption, but only 22% have contemplated it in the last six months.

• 3 in 10 respondents dealing with chronic pain use cannabis, but only half of chronic pain sufferers who use cannabis consider it a viable method for pain management. Chronic pain and high cannabis use are most common among those aged 16 to 34 and in men.

A collection of our previously released research briefs providing an in-depth investigation of our polling results can be found here.