Exploring Age and Sex Differences in the Use of Cannabis Vaping Products: Results From the Canadian Cannabis Survey...

Use of cannabis vaping products has been increasing in Canada. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of use of cannabis vaping products, including higher-risk use, by sex and age.

Data were from four cycles of the Canadian Cannabis Survey, an annual web-based survey of people aged ≥ 16 years in Canada. Past 12-month consumers of cannabis for non-medical purposes were analysed (n₂₀₂₀ = 3405; n₂₀₂₁ = 2802; n₂₀₂₂ = 2801; n₂₀₂₃ = 2972). Cannabis vaping measures included frequency of use and co-use with nicotine or tobacco. Logistic regression models tested differences in outcomes, overall and by sex and age.

Among past 12 month cannabis consumers, use of cannabis vaping products in the past 12 months increased from 22% (95% CI 20%-23%) in 2020 to 37% (95% CI 35%-39%) in 2023, with increases in all sex and age categories, most notably youth (16-19 years) whose use doubled from 33% (95% CI 27%-38%) to 66% (95% CI 60%-72%). Daily/almost daily use of cannabis vaping products also increased overall, from 2% (95% CI 1%-2%) in 2020 to 6% (95% CI 5%-7%) in 2023. There were few sex differences in patterns of use. The proportion of vaping product consumers classified as low risk increased from 13% (95% CI 10.3-16.6) in 2020 to 22% (95% CI 19.1-24.7) in 2023. The proportion classified as high risk also increased, while the proportion classified as moderate risk decreased.

Following legalization (2020 to 2023), there was a continued increase in the use of cannabis vaping products, especially among youth. Continued monitoring as well as additional public education efforts, especially related to potency and risks of vaping, are warranted.