About 5% of Canadian Cannabis Users Showed Signs of Impaired Control After Legalization

4.7% of past-year cannabis consumers had Severity of Dependence Scale scores of 4 or higher (impaired control). Risk was elevated for males, ages 18-24, single/never married, lower-income households, those diagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders, those who started cannabis before age 16, and those consuming at least monthly.

Cross-sectional analysis of the nationally representative 2019-2020 Canadian Community Health Survey using the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). Multivariable logistic regression examined associations with impaired control.

This is among the first nationally representative assessments of problematic cannabis use in Canada after legalization. The 4.7% rate provides a baseline for monitoring whether legalization changes patterns of problematic use over time.

Knowing that roughly 1 in 20 cannabis users shows signs of impaired control helps calibrate the public health response. The risk factors identified here (young, male, early initiation, mental health conditions) can guide targeted prevention.

Cross-sectional design captures a snapshot, not trajectories. SDS is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis of CUD. Self-reported cannabis use may underestimate true use. Post-legalization data may still reflect transition effects rather than steady-state patterns.