Cannabis Consumption, Purchasing and Sources among Young Canadians: The Cannabis Purchase and Consumption Tool (CPCT)
Claudia Sikorski, Cesar Leos‐Toro, David Hammond
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite its extensive use, there is a paucity of research on consumption and purchasing patterns of cannabis, especially by modes of delivery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the self-reported use and frequency of use of 12 different cannabis modes of delivery, their associated purchase sources, self-reported price, average consumption amount, and knowledge of THC and CBD levels. METHODS: = 185). RESULTS: The most common modes of delivery were dried herb that was either smoked or vaporized, and cannabis edibles. Use of hashish, hash oil and other concentrates followed, while liquids, tinctures, topical ointments, and fresh flower/leaf were used less frequently. Average dried herb consumption was 17.8 g/month, 17.4 g/month, and 9.4 g/month among licensed medical, non-licensed medical, and non-medical cannabis users, respectively. At last time of purchase, participants paid an average of $17.97/gram for dried herb. 31.5% of current users reported knowing THC and 13.2% CBD levels of their cannabis. CONCLUSIONS: Youth and young adults report a wide diversity of cannabis products and modes of administration. Traditional measures that rely primarily on frequency of use may be inadequate to assess the rapidly evolving cannabis market, particularly given policy changes, including legalization of non-medical cannabis.