Lifetime illegal drug use among Canadians as of 2019

As of 2019, around 17.5 percent of Canadians had used some illegal drug in their lifetime. The most commonly used illegal drugs are hallucinogens and cocaine/crack.

Who uses illicit drugs?

Drug use in Canada is more common among males than females for every type of illegal drug. Those aged 20 to 24 years are also more likely to have used illegal drugs in their lifetime than other age groups. There are also large regional differences in drug use in Canada. For example, Quebec and British Columbia report the highest percentage of the population who have used cocaine/crack in their lifetime, while Alberta reports the highest use of hallucinogens.

Cannabis in Canada

In October 2018, the Cannabis Act came into effect in Canada, which set a framework for the legal sale, possession, production, and distribution of cannabis. Recreational cannabis has since become a formidable market in Canada, with the leading companies of the industry reporting market values in the millions. Some of the leading reasons for cannabis consumption in Canada according to users include help relaxing or sleeping, reducing stress or anxiety, and to have fun with friends.