Do younger and older Australians use different forms of cannabis?
Among Australians who had used cannabis in the past 12 months, herbal forms were the most commonly used by all age groups. Younger Australians were more likely to use herbal forms of cannabis, while older Australians were more likely to use medicinal forms of cannabis.
Among Australians aged 14-17 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 91% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), 5%** medicinal cannabis products, 0% used edibles, and 3%** used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 18-24 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 88% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), 3%* medicinal cannabis products, 7% used edibles, and 2%* used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 25-29 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 86% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), 2%* medicinal cannabis products, 10% used edibles, and 2%* used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 30-39 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 79% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf),7% medicinal cannabis products, 12% used edibles, and 3%* used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 40-49 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 80% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), 7% medicinal cannabis products, 11% used edibles, and 3%* used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 50-59 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months, 81% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf),10% medicinal cannabis products, 7% used edibles, and 3%** used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 60-69 years who used cannabis in the past 12 months,
85% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), , 7% medicinal cannabis products, 6% used edibles, and 2%* used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
Among Australians aged 70+ who used cannabis in the past 12 months,
81% used herbal forms (bud, head, leaf), 12%* medicinal cannabis products, 7%* used edibles, and 0% used other forms (including resin and hash oil).
* 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).
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.