What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that is known for its psychoactive properties. There are various cannabis products, including plant materials, cannabis oils, concentrated extracts, edibles, tinctures and creams. These products are used for their physical and cognitive effects and for medical and nonmedical purposes. People usually smoke cannabis, but they can also consume it in other ways, such as vaporization (vaping) and in edibles.
Cannabis flowers secrete more than 100 different chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids. When consumed, these compounds bind to cell receptors in the body and change the way these cells communicate with one another. Two of the best-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD:
- THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis and is responsible for the high that individuals experience.
- CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce a high, but it can cause drowsiness. It is being studied for use in medical applications, such as relieving pain, nausea and symptoms of other chronic conditions.
Featured Resources
Heading
Pediatric Cannabis Poisoning Stakeholder Toolkit
Presents key facts, social media graphics and messaging to help organizations raise awareness of pediatric cannabis poisoning through public education campaigns. The materials convey the important message of keeping cannabis edibles safely stored and out of reach from children, in the same way we do for other dangerous household items.
Heading
Video: The Effects of Youth Cannabis Use on the Developing Brain - Myth Busting
Panel discussion about the myths youth hold about marijuana.
Heading
Video: Thinking of using cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Video explains that exposure to cannabis can affect a baby’s mental and physical development, and there is not enough evidence to support using cannabis to treat morning sickness nor pain.
Heading
Demographic Trends for Cannabis Use
Cannabis use is slowly on the rise in Canada, according to the 2022 Canadian Cannabis Survey. Use among the general population (aged 16 years and older) increased from 25% in 2021 to 27% in 2022. Provincial and territorial estimates ranged from 18% to 41%. Cannabis use was highest among people aged 20–24 years (50%), followed by those aged 16–19 years (37%) and those aged 25 years and older (25%). The biggest change in users occurred in the 25 years and older group, which increased from 22% in 2021 to 25% in 2022.
27%
50%
25%
Get to know our team of experts
Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
Area of Expertise:
Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
- More Area of Expertise
Pam Kent, PhD
Director, Research and Emerging Trends
Area of Expertise:
Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
Area of Expertise:
Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
Bryce Barker, PhD, CE
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Heading
Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the categories below to learn more:
Heading
Substances
CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives.
Heading
Health and Public Safety
CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy. Review our key resources on health and public safety in relation to substance use health and addiction issues.
Heading
People and Communities
CCSA is dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, focusing on the impact of substance use across the lifespan, the perspectives of people with lived experience, and the roles of stigma, sex and gender, and educators in substance use health.
Latest CCSA Updates
Mayors from across Canada gather to identify solutions to local substance use crises
Ottawa, May 1, 2025 — Mayors and city representatives from across Canada gathered in Lethbridge, Alta., April 14–16, 2025, to review approaches for addressing the substance use…
Ottawa, May 1, 2025 — Mayors and city representatives from across Canada gathered in Lethbridge, Alta., April 14–16, 2025, to review approaches for addressing the substance use…
