Teen Cannabis Use Rises in Canada After Edibles Are Legalized [Video]

Key Takeaways

Teen cannabis use rose 26% after edibles were legalized in CanadaEdible cannabis products like candies and sodas appeal to younger usersExperts say early cannabis use can raise long-term mental health issues

WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Teen cannabis use rose significantly in parts of Canada after edibles were legalized, a new study shows.

The study found a 26% increase in teen cannabis use in provinces that began selling cannabis edibles and extracts in October 2019. Use of edibles alone jumped 43%, researchers reported April 18 in JAMA Network Open.

Cannabis products like chocolates, candies and sodas can be more appealing to teens — raising concerns about how legalization may influence youth behavior, CNN reported.

“This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,” Dr. Hai Van Nguyen, a professor of pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, told CNN in …