Has the average age at which Australians start to use cannabis changed over time?
Among Australians aged 14 years or older who have ever used cannabis, the average age at which they first tried it has remained stable at 19 years between 2001 and 2022-23.
Among Australians aged 14-29 years who have ever used cannabis, the average age at which they first tried it has increased significantly over time: between 2001 and 2010 the average age of initiation was 16 years; however, it increased to 18 years in 2019 and has remained at 18 years in 2022-23.
In 2001, the mean age of cannabis initiation for youths aged 14–29 was 18.5 years; in 2004, it was 18.7 years; in 2007, it was 18.8 years; in 2010, it was 18.5 years; in 2013, it was 18.5 years; in 2016, it was 18.7 years; in 2019, it was 18.9 years; and in 2022–2023, it was 19.1 years.
In 2001, the mean age of cannabis initiation for people aged 14+ was 16.2 years; in 2004, it was 16.1 years; in 2007, it was 16.1 years; in 2010, it was 16.4 years; in 2013, it was 16.9 years; in 2016, it was 17.3 years; in 2019, it was 17.7 years; and in 2022–2023, it was 17.5 years.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.