Since the Cannabis Act was enacted in October 2018, Statistics Canada has conducted surveys to estimate the effects of cannabis on society, health, and the economy. The most recent StatCan report, the 2023 National Cannabis Survey, reveals users’ preferences and habits from last year, categorized by age and gender. This is important to understand before you visit a ‘weed dispensary near me.’
Table of Contents
Key Points
- More young adults reported using cannabis daily compared to older age groups.
- Different age groups prefer different types of cannabis products. Younger users prefer vape pens, extracts, concentrates, beverages, and edibles, while older users prefer topicals and oral oils.
- Weed dispensaries have now more cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, pre-rolls, and topicals.
StatCan’s 2023 Survey Results
StatCan 2023 report looked at how Canadians used cannabis for three months. 7,400 people of different ages and from different places participated in the survey.
Methodology
- StatCan surveyed 2,251 young adults aged 18 to 24 and 5,185 adults aged 25 and older from July 14 to Oct. 15, 2023.
- The sample included residents of the 10 provinces, excluding those in group housing or on reserves.
- Cannabis in the survey contained marijuana, hashish, hash oil, or any other cannabis plant-derived products.
- Data relied on self-reporting through online questionnaires or phone interviews, subject to respondents’ willingness to share information.
- Possible biases include social desirability and fear of punishment, especially regarding questions related to prohibited activities.
- Limited sample sizes might affect statistical significance. Thus, some age groups were combined to enhance statistical power and estimate stability.
Cannabis Habits Across Generations
According to the latest report, a higher percentage of young adults used cannabis daily compared to older adults.
Daily Use Report
- Adults aged 18 to 24: 8.7%
- Adults aged 25 to 44: 10.3%
- Adults aged 45 and older: 4.8%
For adults aged 45 and above, men were more likely to use cannabis daily than women.
According to StatCan, using cannabis continually might indicate dependence. They referenced a study showing that 72.4% of daily cannabis consumers struggled to control their use, putting them at risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
Cannabis Consumption Habits
StatCan’s 2023 report shows usage habits and product preferences among cannabis users. One-third of adults aged 18 to 44 and one-seventh of those 45 and older used cannabis in the past year.
They also learned about the types of cannabis products people preferred. Cannabis products vary in potency, and consumption method affects the onset of effects. The authorization of cannabis initially covered dried and fresh cannabis, oils, plants, and seeds. These are later expanded to include extracts, edibles, and topicals.
| Age Group | Commonly Used Products |
| All Ages |
|
| Younger Users |
|
| Older Users |
|
| 25 and Older |
|
Types Of Cannabis Products From A “Weed Dispensary Near Me”
Dispensaries have a huge selection of weed products for your every need. You’ll likely find various items if you’re curious about what’s available at dispensaries.
Flower (Buds)
Cannabis flower, also known as “bud” or “weed,” comes from the flowering part of Cannabis plants like Sativa or Indica. People use it mostly for fun or medicine. These flowers are full of cannabinoids, especially THC, which makes you feel high.
They have a strong smell and contain resin glands with cannabinoids and terpenes that give them unique scent and taste. Flowers come in different shapes and sizes depending on the strain. Cannabis flower have small, sticky hairs called trichomes that can make them look frosty or sparkly.
How to Consume?
- You can smoke buds in a pipe, vaporizer, or joint.
- Raw cannabis can be added to food or drinks for its nutritional value.
- If you’re making edibles or other homemade cannabis products, you need to decarboxylate the cannabis first to activate the cannabinoids. Smoking does this automatically with a lighter.
Example:
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Kush Cake
This is also called “Double Kush Cake,” an Indica hybrid strain that offers uplifting effects. It’s good for relaxing in the afternoon or evening with vanilla and lemon flavours. People with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain find relief from this strain.
- THC: 24
- CBD: 0.5
Edibles
Edible weed is food or drink with THC, CBD, and other cannabis compounds. It’s gentler on your lungs compared to smoking or vaping. This makes it great for medical cannabis patients with lung issues. You can find marijuana edibles in different forms, like baked goods, gummies, and chocolate bars.
How to Consume?
- Start with a little dose and wait patiently for the effects to kick in.
- Be patient; hitting the full effect might take a couple of hours. It can last longer than smoking or vaping.
Example:
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OneStop – Sour Variety Pack THC Gummies
The variety pack contains ten gummies with 50mg of THC each, in flavours like sour green apple, sour pineapple, sour very cherry, sour peach lemonade, and sour cherry lime. Plus, all Onestop THC edibles are made with pure lab-tested delta-9 THC.
Pre-Rolls
Pre-Rolls are ready-made cannabis cigarettes without tobacco. These joints come in different types, like indica, sativa, hybrid, and CBD-dominant options. They’re handy because users don’t have to roll their own. Plus, they’re usually pre-measured for consistent dosages, which makes it easy to know how much cannabis you’re getting each time.
How to Consume?
- To use pre-rolls, just light them up like a regular cigarette or joint.
Example:
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AAA – Pre-Roll Pack
Pick from Sativa, Hybrid, or Indica options with triple AAA quality flowers. Each pack contains 5 joints, totalling 5 grams, expertly rolled for your enjoyment.
Concentrates
Concentrates are strong cannabis extracts with high levels of THC or other cannabinoids. You’ll find them in oil, hash, wax, and more. They have way more cannabinoids and terpenes than dried flowers. While flowers might have around 15-20% THC, concentrates can have up to 80-90% THC.
How to Consume?
- You can smoke or dab them using tools like a dab rig, nectar collector, or vape device. A dab rig has a water chamber to cool the vapour, a nail or banger to heat the concentrate, and a torch.
- With a nectar collector, you heat the tip and touch it to the concentrate, inhaling the vapour.
Example:
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Captain’s Pink Hash
This hash is made locally but in an imported style. It’s soft and easy to handle, and it gives a balanced high that feels good without exhausting you. It’s also great for relieving pain and nausea.
Topicals
Topical cannabis products include creams, lotions, oils, tinctures, serums, and ointments. They come in various forms, such as roll-ons, squeeze tubes, lip balms, bath bombs, and more. These products can be part of both medical and personal care routines.
When using topicals, the THC and other cannabinoids commonly stay on the skin’s surface, not entering the bloodstream like other forms of cannabis. As a result, they usually provide a localized and shorter-lasting effect.
How to Apply?
- Clean and dry the affected area.
- Apply the product and massage it into the skin until absorbed.
Example:
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CBD Tears – Full Spectrum CBD
Phoenix Tears, also known as Rick Simpson oil or fully extracted cannabis oil, is a popular cannabis extract. It’s made by removing THC from cannabis using alcohol, resulting in a potent oil. While not technically a tincture, Phoenix Tears offers similar benefits.
You can take them orally, topically, or by vaporizing them. The benefits include anxiety relief, nourishing the skin, improving heart health, increasing appetite, aiding insomnia, and relieving nausea.
Explore “Weed Dispensary Near Me”
Ready to start your journey with cannabis? Find a nearby weed dispensary like GrassLife and explore a range of products to fit your needs. If you want relief from pain and stress or just want to relax, weed dispensaries have something for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some helpful tips for using different cannabis products?
- Most marijuana products are made for adults to use.
- Always read and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Wash your hands before and after using marijuana products.
- If you have health issues or take medications, talk to your doctor before using marijuana.
What should I do if I consume too much?
If you’ve consumed too much cannabis, stay calm and remind yourself that the effects are temporary. Drink some water to stay hydrated and find a comfortable resting place. If the discomfort persists or you feel very unwell, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance.
Do I need an ID to buy cannabis from weed dispensaries in Canada?
Yes, you need a valid government-issued ID to buy cannabis from weed dispensaries in Canada. This ID proves your age, ensuring you meet the minimum permitted age requirement, which varies by province or territory (ranging from 18 to 21 years old). The types of acceptable ID commonly include a driver’s license, passport, or provincial/territorial ID card.
