Cannabis Consumption, Purchasing and Sources among Young Canadians: The Cannabis Purchase and Consumption Tool (CPCT)

Background: Despite its extensive use, there is a paucity of research on consumption and purchasing patterns of cannabis, especially by modes of delivery. Objective: To assess the self-reported use and frequency of use of 12 different cannabis modes of delivery, their associated purchase sources, self-reported price, average consumption amount, and knowledge of THC and CBD levels. Methods: The Cannabis Purchase and Consumption Tool, an online survey, sampled Canadians 16-30 years old (N = 868) in October 2017. Final sample included participants reporting use of any mode of cannabis within the past 30-days (N = 185). Results: The most common modes of delivery were dried herb that was either smoked or vaporized, and icannabis edibles. Use of hashish, hash oil and other concentrates followed, while liquids, tinctures, topical ointments, and fresh flower/leaf were used less frequently. Average dried herb consumption was 17.8 g/month, 17.4 g/month, and 9.4 g/month among licensed medical, non-licensed medical, and non-medical cannabis users, respectively. At last time of purchase, participants paid an average of $17.97/gram for dried herb. 31.5% of current users reported knowing THC and 13.2% CBD levels of their cannabis. Conclusions: Youth and young adults report a wide diversity of cannabis products and modes of administration. Traditional measures that rely primarily on frequency of use may be inadequate to assess the rapidly evolving cannabis market, particularly given policy changes, including legalization of non-medical cannabis.

Automated summary

This study investigated the usage of various cannabis modes of delivery among Canadian youth aged 16-30, revealing that smoking or vaporizing dried herb and consuming cannabis edibles were the most common methods. The average price at purchase was $17.97/gram, and 31.5% of users knew the THC levels of their cannabis.