The newly released 2021 B.C. Cannabis Use Survey is showing positive changes in behaviour among cannabis consumers and revealing regional variations in the province.
It follows up on an initial survey conducted in 2018 and is one of the first large-scale provincial studies assessing changes in cannabis behaviours and perceptions.
Both surveys were planned as part of the province’s commitment to monitor the implementation of the legal cannabis framework and provide insight into the impact of cannabis on both public health and the economy.
The survey results show a significant decrease in the number of consumers who report buying from an unlicensed store - from 56 per cent in 2018 to 17 per cent in 2021, and 71 per cent of consumers reported purchasing from licensed retailers.
Findings suggest that most people in B.C. who choose to use cannabis are doing so responsibly.
The survey also showed regional differences in the prevalence of cannabis use across British Columbia.
In the Northern Health Authority 38 per cent of those surveyed reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, compared to the remaining 62 per cent who reported not using cannabis.
The percentage of people in each Health Authority who reported using cannabis ranged from 26 per cent in the Fraser Health Authority to 40 per cent in the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Respondents from the Northern Health Authority were 48 years old on average, 49 per cent women and 51 per cent men, and 87 per cent reported that they were a Canadian citizen by birth and the top three reasons for using cannabis in the Northern Health area were physical pain relief, enjoyment or recreation, and better sleep.
“This comprehensive report gives us important information directly from people in British Columbia on their opinions and habits surrounding cannabis use," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
"From how it may impact their daily lives to perceptions around cannabis use and driving, it's important for us to know this information so we can support a strong cannabis sector in B.C., while continuing to keep public health and safety the cornerstone of our policies."
The survey was conducted by telephone for 10 weeks between August and October of 2021. It was administered in English, Punjabi, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and only those aged 19 and older were eligible to participate.
Respondents who had consumed cannabis in the past 12 months were invited to complete a supplementary online survey.
In total, 24,794 people responded to the telephone survey, and 8,473 reported having used cannabis at least once during the past 12 months and of those who reported using cannabis, 2,420 completed the online survey.
BC Stats has also developed an online application that enables further exploration of the findings.
