Do younger and older Australians use different forms of cannabis?

Among those who used cannabis in the past 12 months, younger Australians were generally more likely to use cannabis leaf, while older Australians were generally more likely to use cannabis head.

Among Australians aged 14-17 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 39% used the head, 65% used the leaf, 14%* used cannabis resin, 2%** used cannabis oil, and 12%* used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 18-24 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 52% used the head, 67% used the leaf, 11% used cannabis resin, 5%* used cannabis oil, and 7% used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 25-29 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 57% used the head, 57% used the leaf, 6%* used cannabis resin, 7% used cannabis oil, and 4%* used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 30-39 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 74% used the head, 39% used the leaf, 7% used cannabis resin, 10% used cannabis oil, and 6% used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 40-49 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 83% used the head, 31% used the leaf, 6% used cannabis resin, 5% used cannabis oil, and 4%* used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 50-59 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 82% used the head, 31% used the leaf, 7% used cannabis resin, 8% used cannabis oil, and 5%* used other forms of cannabis.

Among Australians aged 60+ years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 71% used the head, 35% used the leaf, 7%* used cannabis resin, 13%* used cannabis oil, and 3%* used other forms of cannabis.

* 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). 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2021).

* 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.

Please note: Percentages do not tally to 100% as respondents were could select more than one form of cannabis.