The legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada has been linked to higher cannabis use among adolescents, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Manitoba and Memorial University of Newfoundland. This study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to investigate the impact of legalizing these products on adolescent cannabis use and perceptions of harm.
In October 2018, Canada legalized the sale of dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil to individuals above a legal minimum age of 18 or 19 years, depending on the province. A year later, cannabis edibles and extracts, such as cannabis-infused chocolates, candies, desserts, and vaping oils, became legal in all provinces except Quebec. These products were considered more appealing to adolescents than traditional dried cannabis.
Quebec maintained a ban on youth-friendly cannabis edibles and vaping products due to concerns about accidental poisoning and the normalization of cannabis use. Some Atlantic provinces also restricted cannabis vaping products. Health officials raised concerns that the legalization of these products could lead to an increase in adolescent cannabis use, change modes of consumption, reduce perceptions of risk, and encourage the co-use of alcohol.
The study analyzed data from a cohort of 106,032 students in grades 7 to 11 who participated in the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Surveys during the 2018–2019 and 2021–2022 cycles. Researchers compared changes in cannabis-related outcomes in provinces that legalized cannabis edibles and extracts with changes in Quebec, where these products remained banned.
The results showed that twelve-month cannabis use among adolescents increased from 14.6% to 15.9% in provinces that legalized cannabis edibles and extracts, while it declined from 17.4% to 15.6% in Quebec. Edible cannabis use rose in legalization provinces and declined in Quebec, while cannabis smoking increased in both groups. Legalization was associated with lower perceptions of harm from occasional cannabis use.
Regression analysis revealed a net increase in cannabis use, edible cannabis use, cannabis smoking, and co-use of cannabis and alcohol in provinces that legalized these products compared to Quebec. The study emphasized that these findings reflect associations rather than causation and further policy measures may be needed to reduce adolescent access to cannabis edibles and extracts.
In conclusion, the legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada was found to be associated with increased cannabis use among adolescents. The study highlights the importance of monitoring the impact of cannabis legalization on youth and implementing strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with increased access to these products.
