Since legalizing medical cannabis back in 2001, Canada continues to be at the front of the march for cannabis advocacy. And while more and more people continue to realize the positives of the plant (not to mention, the fun), it’s no surprise that the first G7 nation to federally legalize consumption has seen a 40% increase in the population’s cannabis use between 2013 and 2017.
According to The United Nation’s latest world drug report, the increase in Canada’s cannabis consumption during this time was especially pronounced in adults aged 20 years or older. Further, at over 23%, more people in British Columbia use cannabis in 2017 than anywhere else in the country. “This is largely a result of a decrease in the perception of the risk around cannabis use and of the national debate about legalizing non-medical use of cannabis,” stated the report.
As of 2017, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island reported consumption rates 14.8% higher than the national average, while a Statistics Canada report in 2019 states that first-time cannabis use is also seeing an increase in the nation. Notably, though, while cannabis use across the globe remains highest in those ages 15 to 24, Canada has seen a surprising decrease in consumption by those 19 or younger, promising news during a time of heightened worries regarding cannabis’ effects on young teenage brains.
Not only do these reports come as great news for businesses hoping that increased acceptance and use of cannabis will provide for more opportunities in terms of customer base, they further prove the point that advocates have been trying to make for years — people love weed. And with Canada’s federal legalization forecasting these rates to grow even more in the upcoming years, let’s hope that America is the next stop on the legalization train.
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