Abstracts from the annual Canadian study useful for national cannabis growers

Among citizens of the country who use the therapeutic properties of the leaves and inflorescences of the hemp plant, 22% of the Canadian population use hemp raw materials as the basis for preparing food and drinks (in 2020, the number was 19%).

At the end of the year, Health Canada traditionally publishes the results of its “Maple Leaf Country” hemp market study (government agencies have been conducting an annual study of the cannabis market in Canada since 2017). The editors of the specialized publication of national hemp growers have selected the key theses of the Canadian study, which may be of interest to companies working in the field of modern hemp growing in Ukraine. We propose to draw conclusions, which are suggested by the materials of our colleagues.

Home cultivation of hemp, as well as the preparation of food / drinks from hemp raw materials

It is estimated that about 6% of Canadians grow a plant at or near their home. Among those who use cannabis as a food product or use the therapeutic properties of leaves and inflorescences - 15% of the country's citizens are engaged in "home cultivation". It is noted that both indicators have not changed compared to 2020. 

In general, 7% of Canadians make various types of food or drinks using hemp raw materials at home (the figure has not changed compared to 2020). Among citizens of the country who use the therapeutic properties of the leaves and inflorescences of the hemp plant, 22% of the Canadian population use hemp raw materials as the basis for preparing food and drinks (in 2020, the number was 19%).

Cannabis use

The survey asked Canadians about their cannabis use over the past 12 months. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, down 2% from a similar 2020 study.

Methods of use

One of the main ways to use cannabis are:

- eating (54% - no change compared to 2020);

- use of vape pens or e-cigarettes (28% - an increase of 4% compared to 2020);

- use of cannabinoid oils for oral use (22% - an increase of 7% compared to 2020);

- application of various hemp products on the skin (9% - an increase of 5% compared to 2020);

Most consumed hemp products

The six most common hemp products used in 2021 by Canadian citizens.

Across Canada, the most common product was dried cannabis flowers/leaves. Edibles were the second most popular item (estimates ranged from 53% to 60% in different provinces).

Medical use

Fourteen percent of Canadians aged 16 and over reported using cannabis for medical purposes throughout 2021 (no change from 2020).

Ownership of medical records

Three percent (3%) of Canadians aged 16 and over, or 22% of those who have used cannabis for medical purposes, said they did so with a document from a healthcare professional. The majority (78%) did not have a document from a doctor (data unchanged from 2020).

Types of Hemp Products Used for Medical Purposes

The top three products used are dried flowers/leaves (50%), oral CBD oil (49%), and edibles (31%), all unchanged as of 2020). Other products reported by Canadians included topical ointments (20%, unchanged from 2020); cannabis cartridges/vape pens (18%, up from 14% in 2020); beverages (9%, up from 4% in 2020); concentrates and extracts (9%, unchanged from 2020).