Rural Canadian students were more likely to use cannabis than urban peers after legalization, but urban Quebec students had higher rates of driving after cannabis use.
Public health researchers, road safety advocates, and Canadian policymakers evaluating cannabis legalization impacts.
AOR 1.32greater odds of past-year cannabis use among rural vs. urban Canadian postsecondary students
What the researchers found
Rural cohorts had greater odds of past-year cannabis use (AOR=1.32) compared to urban cohorts, but the relationship between cannabis use and driving after use varied by province and urban/rural context.
Why it matters
Understanding how legalization affects different communities helps tailor prevention campaigns and road safety initiatives to the populations most at risk.
The numbers in context
1,496 postsecondary students surveyed across five campuses in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec (2018-2019). Quebec students more likely to have lifetime cannabis use (AOR=1.41). Rural students had higher past-year use (AOR=1.32).
How the study worked
Quantitative cross-sectional study using self-report surveys administered to emerging adults (18-24) at Canadian postsecondary institutions shortly after recreational cannabis legalization. Multiple logistic regression analyses.
Who was studied
1,496 postsecondary students aged 18-24 across five campuses in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish temporal relationships. Self-reported substance use and driving behaviors may be underreported. Only five campuses sampled, limiting generalizability.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey with multiple logistic regression; provides useful post-legalization snapshot but limited by self-report and timing.
When this study was published
Conducted in 2018-2019, shortly after Canadian recreational cannabis legalization.
The bigger picture
Post-legalization cannabis use patterns among young adults appear to be shaped more by geographic and cultural factors than by specific provincial legislation, suggesting prevention efforts need local tailoring.
Replication
Single post-legalization cross-section; longitudinal follow-up would strengthen conclusions.
Funding
Not specified in abstract
Conflicts of interest
Not specified in abstract
Questions still open
- Why do urban-rural cannabis use patterns differ between Quebec and other provinces?
- Are current impaired driving prevention campaigns reaching rural young adults effectively?
Read the original research
Recreational Cannabis Legislation: substance use and impaired driving among Canadian rural and urban postsecondary students.
Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 8
Citation
Gueye, N'deye Rokhaya; Prada, Kevin; de Moissac, Danielle. (2023). Recreational Cannabis Legislation: substance use and impaired driving among Canadian rural and urban postsecondary students.. Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00175-y