Do younger and older Australians use cannabis differently?
Among Australians who used cannabis in the past 12 months, the most common main method of use in all age groups was smoking it as a joint, followed by using a bong or pipe. The exception to this was 14-17 year olds, where a higher proportion smoked cannabis from a bong or pipe than as a joint.
Among Australians aged 14-17 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 38% mainly smoked it as a joint, 60% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 0% mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 0% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 18-24 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 47% mainly smoked it as a joint, 40% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 5% mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 8% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 25-29 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 55% mainly smoked it as a joint, 27% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 5%* mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 11% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 30-39 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 47% mainly smoked it as a joint, 30% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 9% mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 11% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 40-49 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 48% mainly smoked it as a joint, 32% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 5% mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 11% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 50-59 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 42% mainly smoked it as a joint, 36% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 6% mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 8% mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 60-69 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 52% mainly smoked it as a joint, 31% mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 5%* mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 5%* mainly consumed it in edible form.
Among Australians aged 70+ years who used cannabis in the past 12 months 61% mainly smoked it as a joint, 14%* mainly smoked it from a bong or pipe, 2%** mainly inhaled it from a vape, and 11%* mainly consumed it in edible form.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Please note: Percentages do not tally to 100% as respondents could select more than one response. Significance is established as p<0.05.
* Estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
** Estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use.