A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Manitoba and Memorial University of Newfoundland has shed light on the impact of the legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada. The study found that the legalization of these products was associated with higher cannabis use among adolescents during specific study periods.
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 became legal in all provinces except Quebec. These products, which included cannabis-infused chocolates, candies, desserts, and vaping oils, were considered more appealing to adolescents than dried cannabis.
However, 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 imposed restrictions on 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. Despite these concerns, existing research had not provided clear evidence on the potential effects of legalization.
The study, titled “Legalizing Youth-Friendly Cannabis Edibles and Extracts and Adolescent Cannabis Use,” published in JAMA Network Open, 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. The 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 findings revealed that 12-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. The use of edible cannabis rose in legalization provinces and decreased in Quebec, while cannabis smoking increased in both groups. Legalization was also associated with a lower perception of harm from occasional cannabis use among adolescents.
Regression analysis showed a net increase in cannabis use following legalization, with edible cannabis use, cannabis smoking, and co-use of cannabis and alcohol all showing significant increases. The study concluded that further policy measures may be necessary to reduce adolescent access to cannabis edibles and extracts.
It is important to note that these findings reflect associations rather than causation. While the study controlled for key demographic and provincial factors, it utilized only one post-legalization survey cycle and relied on self-reported data. Authors of the study emphasized the need for additional research to better understand the impact of legalization on adolescent cannabis use.
In conclusion, the legalization of youth-oriented cannabis edibles and extracts in Canada was found to be associated with an increase in overall cannabis use among adolescents. The study highlighted the need for continued monitoring and potential policy adjustments to address the impact of cannabis legalization on youth consumption.
