Cannabis vaping in Canada surges to 37% among consumers in just three years

Cannabis vaping products have experienced a remarkable surge in Canada following legalization, with usage among recreational consumers nearly doubling from 22% in 2020 to 37% in 2023. The trend is particularly striking among youth aged 16-19 years, where vaping adoption doubled from 33% to 66% over the same period. Daily or near-daily vaping use also increased significantly, rising from just 2% to 6% of cannabis consumers. These data come from Canada's comprehensive Cannabis Survey, which tracked patterns across four years involving thousands of participants, making it one of the most detailed looks at evolving cannabis consumption methods post-legalization.

The research reveals important patterns in who uses cannabis vaping products and how. Interestingly, sex differences were minimal in vaping adoption rates, suggesting the trend is relatively consistent across gender lines. However, the study identified a concerning shift in risk profiles: while the proportion of low-risk users increased (suggesting many people use vaping responsibly), the proportion of high-risk users also increased, indicating that some consumers are engaging in more intensive or potentially problematic vaping patterns. The definition of risk likely involves factors like frequency of use, potency levels, and combinations with nicotine or tobacco.

The findings underscore important public health implications for Canada and jurisdictions considering or managing cannabis legalization. The rapid adoption of vaping—particularly among youth—suggests this consumption method has significant appeal, possibly due to perceived discreteness, reduced odor, and ease of use compared to traditional smoking. However, the concurrent rise in high-risk use patterns alongside low-risk use indicates a bifurcated market, where some consumers are maximizing accessibility while others may be developing more intensive consumption habits. Researchers call for enhanced public education specifically focused on vaping potency risks and continued surveillance of usage trends, as the long-term health impacts of regular cannabis vaping remain incompletely understood.