Number of People Vape in Canada (New 2024 Statistics)
Over time, it has become quite apparent that a large number of Canadians are making the transition from traditional cigarettes to vaping products such as e-liquids and pod systems. Consequently, a multitude of vape shops have emerged in various Canadian communities. This raises the most asked question about the current percentage of Canadians who vape.
Recent national data indicates that the frequency of vaping among Canadian teenagers is among the highest in the world. This guide aims to thoroughly analyze the latest vaping trends in Canada to gain a comprehensive understanding of the popularity of e-cigarette products and their consumption patterns in the country.
Contents:
– Canadian E-Cigarette Key Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
– How Many Canadian Vapers Are There?
– Leading Reasons Why People Vape In Canada
– Trends in E-Cigarette Sales Channels
– E-Cigarette Prevalence By Province
– Youth And Young Adults Are More Likely To Have Tried Vaping
– E-Liquid Flavors Prevalence Among Canadian Smokers And Recent Ex-Smokers
– Cannabis Consumption In Canada
Canadian E-Cigarette Key Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
– 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older, totaling 2,345,662 people, reported using e-cigarettes.
– The Canadian E-Cigarette market is predicted to yield US$1.4 billion in revenue by the end of 2024.
– The market is expected to experience a steady growth rate of 3.76% annually between 2024 to 2029, indicating a sustained upward trend.
– Considering the overall population, each Canadian is projected to contribute US$39.34 in vaping revenue in 2024
– In all, over 400,000 middle and high school students and 275,000 young people (20-24 years old) have admitted to vaping in the previous 30 days.
– 30% of Canadians aged 15 to 19 vape, while 14.7% of those 25 and older use e-cigarettes.
How Many Canadian Vapers Are There?
In recent years, approximately 6% of the population is vaping, which equates to around 2,345,662 persons. This number reflects a significant portion of the populace active in the e-cigarette landscape.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Canadian E-Cigarette market is projected to generate a substantial revenue of $1.4 billion. This figure, illustrated in the following graphic, demonstrates the strong market position and consumer interest in e-cigarettes.
| Year | Revenue (in billion) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 0.9 |
| 2019 | 1.0 |
| 2020 | 1.1 |
| 2021 | 1.2 |
| 2022 | 1.3 |
| 2023 | 1.3 |
| 2024 | 1.4 |
| 2025 | 1.4 |
| 2026 | 1.5 |
| 2027 | 1.6 |
| 2028 | 1.6 |
| 2029 | 1.7 |
Source: Statista
The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.76% between 2024 and 2029, providing an uninterrupted and significant boost in market size. Through 2029, market revenue is predicted to be at US$1.68 billion.
The development of the e-cigarette sector would offer financial advantages with the wide popularity of vaping products. The industry is inclined to uplift finances and employment opportunities and foster breakthrough technology in the e-cigarette sector.
With Canada’s total population projected to reach around 35.6 million in 2024, each individual is estimated to contribute approximately US$39.34 to the e-cigarette industry. This per capita output is a clear indication of the dispersed acceptance and adoption of e-cigarettes by the Canadian population, underscoring the market’s potential.
| Year | Revenue (in billion) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 27.10 |
| 2019 | 29.88 |
| 2020 | 31.51 |
| 2021 | 34.23 |
| 2022 | 36.40 |
| 2023 | 38.10 |
| 2024 | 39.34 |
| 2025 | 40.20 |
| 2026 | 41.98 |
| 2027 | 43.06 |
| 2028 | 44.18 |
| 2029 | 42.25 |
Source: Statista
Youth And Young Adult Vaping
In the last 30 days, over 400,000 students middle and high school students and 275,000 young adults (ages 20–24) admitted vaping. The results also show that an extensive number of young Canadians are using e-cigarettes, leaving traditional smoking consumption.
Many young people who vape may have previously smoked cigarettes. Vaping can discourage young people from further engaging in smoking, which is far more risky.
Significant Disparity In Vaping Prevalence
The observation discloses an enormous difference in vaping prevalence between Canadian youth aged 15 to 19 (30.0%) and adults aged 25 and above (14.7%).
This indicates that Canadian teenagers are twice as likely to try vaping compared to older people. E-cigarettes enable young people to gradually reduce their nicotine intake and avoid relying on harsh nicotine consumption.
Sources: Canada.ca, Statista, Lung.ca, StatCan
Leading Reasons Why People Vape In Canada
| Share of Respondents | 15 to 19 | 20 - 24 | 25 and older |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curiosity | 27% | 17.8% | 14.8% |
| Because they enjoy it | 22.9% | 24.9% | 10.9% |
| To reduce stress | 30.5% | 33.1% | 14.3% |
| To reduce/quit smoking cigarettes | 5.7% | 6.5% | 27.6% |
| To use when smoking is not allowed | - | 2.1% | 5.7% |
| To avoid returning to smoking | - | 5% | 16% |
| Others | - | 10.5% | 10.7% |
Source: Statista
Based on Statista’s 2024 inference, we can conclude plenty of patterns about why Canadians vape within different age groups:
Curiosity
The 15- to 19-year-old age group has the highest rate of curiosity-driven usage (27%), followed by the 20 to 24-year-old group (17.8%) and the 25- and older group (4.8%).
Enjoyment
Enjoyment is the second most prevalent cause in the 20 to 24-year-old group (24.9%), followed by the 15 to 19-year-old group (22.9%) and the 25 and older group (10.9%).
Stress Reduction
Stress relief is a frequent cause among people aged 20 to 24, who make up 33.1%, while the 25 and older age group also has an important share (30.5%). The 15 to 19-year-old age group has the smallest rate, at 14.3%.
Quitting/Reducing Cigarettes:
A significant number of people aged 25 and up use e-cigarettes to discontinue or reduce their use of cigarettes (27.6%). The rate is 6.5% for those aged 20 to 24 and 5.7% for those aged 15 to 19.
When Smoking is Not Allowed:
This explanation is relatively minimal across all age categories, with the 20-24 group at 5.7%, the 15-19 group at 2.1%, and the 25+ group at 5%.
Avoiding Smoking Relapse:
The 25 and older group is the one most inclined to use e-cigarettes to prevent reverting to smoking (16%), followed by the 20 to 24 group (5%), and there is no discernible disparity in the 15 to 19 group.
Other Reasons:
Other causes are provided by 10.5% of the 20-24 age group, 10.7% of the 25+ age group, and not for the 15-19 age group.
Discussion:
Users aged (15–19) are primarily driven by curiosity and enjoyment 27%, emphasizing innovation and experimenting constitute crucial components. Enjoyment and stress reduction 33% are essential for the 20 to 24 age range, striking the equilibrium between recreational usage and coping techniques. The 25 and older population is more likely to use e-cigarettes for valuable purposes such as reducing or eliminating cigarette smoking 27.6% preventing relapse, and concentrating on health benefits.
Source: Statista
Trends in E-Cigarette Sales Channels
Online vs. Offline Revenue Share (2018-2028)
| Year | Offline | Online |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 99.1% | 0.9% |
| 2019 | 99.1% | 0.9% |
| 2020 | 98.7% | 1.1% |
| 2021 | 98.7% | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 98.3 | 1.7% |
| 2023 | 97.8% | 2.2% |
| 2024 | 96.9% | 3.1% |
| 2025 | 95.9% | 4.1% |
| 2026 | 95.1% | 4.9% |
| 2027 | 94.5% | 5.5% |
| 2028 | 94.0% | 6.0% |
Source: Statista
The Statista 2024 graphic illustrates the breakdown of e-cigarette revenue between online and offline channels from 2018 to 2028. The data shows the share of sales made across these two channels over time.
Predominance of Offline Sales:
Offline sales have perpetually ruled the e-cigarette market throughout the years, always staying above 90%.
Offline revenue stayed exceptionally high, beginning at 99.1% in 2018, and is predicted to reach 94% in 2028.
Trend in Online Sales:
Online sales, though modest in contrast to offline purchases, have gradually risen over time. In 2018, online sales were only 0.9%, but by 2028, they are expected to rise to 6%.
Yearly Breakdown:
From 2018 to 2020, the percentage that comprises offline sales remained at 99%.
A substantial transition begins in 2021, with offline sales falling to 98.5% and online purchases rising somewhat to 1.7%.
This pattern continues, with online sales rising by about 0.5-1% every year while offline sales decrease.
By 2026, online sales will be 5% of total sales. This trend indicates a consistent, albeit slow, surge in online market share, which shows significant growth.
Discussion:
As the E-Cigarette industry develops, the slow but compatible increase in online sales by 5% conveys an imminent shift. The results demonstrate that offline sales of 90% comprise most of the e-cigarette market. Shopping online delivers exceptional convenience, especially for goods such as e-cigarettes, which can be obtained discreetly.
Source: Statista
E-Cigarette Prevalence By Province
The bar chart reveals the frequency of using electronic cigarettes across several Canadian provinces. It presents two metrics: “Ever Use” (% of respondents who have ever used e-cigarettes) and “Past 30-Day Use” (percentage of respondents who have used e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days).
| Province | % of Respondents |
|---|---|
| NL | 20.4 |
| PEI | 20.3 |
| SK | 18.8 |
| NS | 18.0 |
| AB | 17.7 |
| BC | 16.9 |
| CA | 16.6 |
| ON | 16.5 |
| ON | 16.5 |
| MB | 16.2 |
| PQ | 15.4 |
| NB | 14.6 |
Source: Uwaterloo.Ca
Overall Trends
Ever Use:
The share of respondents who have ever used e-cigarettes is between 14.6% in New Brunswick (NB) and 20.4 in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Most provinces have a relatively consistent high level of ever usage, with 18-20% of respondents stating that they have tried e-cigarettes at some point.
Past 30-Day Use:
When considering e-cigarette usage over the past 30 days, the data reveals significant variations, ranging from 3.8% in British Columbia (BC) to 6.4% in Alberta (AB), providing a more detailed view of recent usage patterns.
Discussion:
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) (20.4%) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) (20.3%) have the most robust lifetime use rates. Alberta (AB) has the highest prior 30-day use rate (6.4%), indicating a more reliable usage pattern.
Sources: Statista, Tobacco Use in Canada
Youth And Young Adults Are More Likely To Have Tried Vaping
According to the results of Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 2022
About 20% of young adults aged 20 to 24 reported using a vaporizer at least once over the previous month, a remarkable boost from 15% in 2019, 13% in 2020, and 17% in 2021. This tendency is interesting, as it indicates a growing preponderance of vaping.
In the same year, 30% of youths aged 15 to 19 and nearly half (48%) of young adults aged 20 to 24 claimed to have tried vaping at some point in their life.
In 2022, men were far more likely than women to have Vaped (23% versus 17%) among those aged 20 to 24. By contrast, among 15 to 19-year-olds, vaping was about equally shared among males (14%) and women (13%).
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Vaped in 30 days (20-24 years, 2022) | 20% |
| Vaped in 30 days (15-19 years, 2022) | Men: 14%, Women: 13% |
| Tried vaping in lifetime (20-24 years, 2022) | 48% |
| Tried vaping in lifetime (15-19 years, 2022) | 30% |
| Vaped in past 30 days (20-24 years, men, 20233) | 23% |
| Vaped in past 30 days (20-24 years, women, 20233) | 17% |
| Vaped in 30 days (20-24 years, 2019) | 15% |
| Vaped in 30 days (20-24 years, 2020) | 13% |
| Vaped in 30 days (20-24 years, 2021) | 17% |
Increasing Prevalence Of Vaping In Young Adults
The rate of vaping among young adults aged 20 to 24 years has increased considerably in recent years. 20% of people in this age range reported vaping at least once, which shows how people are moving towards modern modes of nicotine consumption.
This upward trend suggests that vaping devices are becoming more prevalent among this population. The growth from 15% in 2019 to 20% in 2022 is particularly interesting, suggesting that efforts to reduce adolescent smoking rates yield positive results. It also shows people’s inclinations towards vaping products.
Lifetime Vaping Experience
Assessing lifetime vaping behavior reveals more insight into the prevalence of vaping among youngsters and young adults:
Youth aged 15 to 19 years: 30% reported trying vaping at least once in their lives.
Young adults aged 20 to 24: Nearly half (48%) said they have tried vaping at least once in their lives.
The reality that over half of young adults were exposed to vaping at some time illustrates an increasing exposure and experimentation with e-cigarettes in this age bracket. The rapid rate of experimenting can lead to long-term consumption patterns and healthier nicotine alternatives.
Gender Differences in Vaping
Gender-specific patterns prove variances in vaping habits between young adults and youth:
Young adults aged 20 to 24 years:
– Men: 23% reported vaping in the past 30 days.
– Women: 17% reported vaping in the past 30 days.
This differential suggests that young men in this age group are more inclined to have recently vaped than their female counterparts, which could be related to a variety of factors, such as social influences, marketing efforts, and perceived risk disparities.
Youth aged 15 to 19 years:
– Men: 14% reported vaping in the past 30 days.
– Women: 13% reported vaping in the past 30 days.
With younger individuals, the gender divide in recent vaping is notably less, with both men and women nearly equally inclined to have vaped in the last 30 days.
Source: StatCan
E-Liquid Flavors Prevalence Among Canadian Smokers And Recent Ex-Smokers
| Flavors | Overall (%) | Smokers (%) | Recent ex- smokers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruti | 39% | 38% | 40% |
| Tobacco | 18% | 22% | 12% |
| Menthol/Mint | 16% | 17% | 14% |
| Candy/Desserts/Sweets | 10% | 10% | 11% |
| Others | 10% | 8% | 13% |
| Tobacco/Menthol | 6% | 5% | 9% |
Source: ITC. Flavors in Canada
Overall Preferences
– Fruit (39%): The most trending flavor category is fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, with 39% of people choosing them. This shows a high tendency for sweet and fruity flavors among e-cigarette users.
– Tobacco (18%): Tobacco is the second hottest flavor overall, with 18% of respondents favoring it. This indicates that many consumers prefer conventional tobacco flavors due to their familiar taste.
– Menthol/Mint (16%): 16% of respondents chose menthol or mint flavors, frequently selected for their pleasant and cooling properties.
– Candy/Desserts/Sweets (10%): 10 % of consumers enjoy sweet flavors like candies, desserts, and sweets. These varieties are popular among people who love abundant sweet tastes.
– Tobacco/Menthol (6%): The least favorite flavor option was an amalgam of tobacco and menthol flavors, with 6% of the people selecting it. This could interest individuals who enjoy a mix of standard and refreshing flavors.
Preferences Among Smokers
– Fruit (38%): Smokers are highly attracted to fruit flavors, which is congruent with the overall trend. 38% select this category.
– Tobacco (22%): Smokers favor tobacco flavors (22%) more than the general population, which is understandable given their experience with traditional tobacco products.
– Menthol/Mint (17%): 17% of smokers prefer menthol or mint flavors over others, somewhat more than the average preference, demonstrating a significant fondness for these flavors among smokers.
– Candy/Desserts/Sweets (11%): Relatively more prevalent among smokers (11%) than the whole population, indicating that some smokers like sweet flavors.
– Tobacco/Menthol (5%): The less popular flavor group among smokers, with only 5% selecting this combination.
Preferences of Recent Ex-smokers
Current ex-smokers have the most excellent affinity for fruit flavors (40%), implying that these flavors may be incredibly tempting to people switching from regular cigarettes.
They further show a considerably lower liking for tobacco flavors (12%) than smokers, indicating a change away from traditional preferences after preventing smoking.
Menthol or mint flavors are picked up by 14% of recent ex-smokers, which is significantly lower than smokers but comparable to the overall preference. Like smokers, 11% of recent ex-smokers like flavors that are sweet or decadent.
Discussion
According to the statistics, fruit flavors are the most popular almost 40% among all demographics, particularly among recent ex-smokers. Smokers enjoy standard tobacco aromas 18%, 22%, and 12% more than other groups; however, recent ex-smokers have a decreased affection for tobacco flavors, indicating a shift in taste preferences after quitting. Menthol/mint flavors 16%, 17%, and 14% tend to be preferred by all groups, while candy/desserts/sweets and other flavors are relatively popular.
Source: AWS
Cannabis Consumption In Canada
Over one in three Canadian adults use cannabis.
In 2023, over one-third of people aged 18 to 24 years (38.4%) and 25 to 44 years (34.5%) stated that they used cannabis in the preceding year, as opposed to 15.5% of adults aged 45 and over.
Almost one in every ten adults aged 18 to 24 years (8.7%) and 25 to 44 years (10.3%) admitted to using cannabis daily or almost daily in the preceding 12 months, in contrast to 4.8% of adults aged 45 and more.
Prevalence of Use
The most considerable prevalence of cannabis use in the past year is among young adults (18-24 years old), with 38.4% mentioning it. This is closely followed by the 25-44% age bracket, at 34.5%.
Frequency of Use
A similar pattern emerges when looking at everyday or virtually daily use. The 25-44 age group had the highest frequency of daily or virtually daily use (10.3%), somewhat greater than the 8.7% reported in the 18-24 age range. The 45 and older age group has a substantially reduced daily or practically daily use rate, at 4.8%.
Discussion
In 2023, consumption of cannabis among Canadian adults fluctuated significantly by age group. The numbers show that younger persons 38% take significantly more cannabis than older adults.
This report sheds more light on the usage patterns and instances of consumption among different age groups.
Source: StatsCan
The Rise of Delta 8 THC Cartridges
The popularity of Delta 8 THC cartridges is one of the growing trends that is triggering a spike in cannabis use among young individuals. The cartridges have grown to be a vital component of the cannabis industry, affecting consumption patterns among younger generations. They offer a substitute for those who are anxious to use heavier strains of cannabis.
Canada is the first major industrialized nation to give authorized and controlled distribution of cannabis for non-medical uses.
| Years | Quarter | Number of Stores |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Q4 | 182 |
| 2019 | Q1 and Q2 | 315 |
| Q3 and Q4 | 728 | |
| 2020 | Q1 and Q2 | 998 |
| Q3 and Q4 | 1,445 | |
| 2021 | Q1 and Q2 | 2,185 |
| Q3 and Q4 | 2,852 | |
| 2022 | Q1 and Q2 | 3,167 |
| 2023 | Q1 | 3,332 |
Source: 150.Stancan.gc.Ca
The graph shows a significant growth trend in the number of legal cannabis stores in Canada over the five years from Q4 2018 to Q1 2023
Starting with around 182 outlets in Q4 2018, there has been a steady rise each quarter. The most significant rise appears to have happened between 2020 and 2021 when the number of stores scaled from approximately 2,145 to more than 3,000. By the first quarter of 2023, the number of shops had increased to around 3,332, meaning an essential growth of Canada’s legal cannabis market.
“Analyzing Cannabis Spending and Consumer Behavior in Canada: 2022/2023:
In 2022/2023, Canadians of legal age spent a total of $150 per year per person on cannabis. With over 3,000 legal cannabis establishments in Canada, more than two-thirds of cannabis consumers purchased their products legally. The top three justifications given for buying cannabis from a legal source were the safety of the product (38.0%), comfort (16.9%), and an urge to follow the law (12.9%).
Discussion
Average Annual Spending on Cannabis
In the year 2022/2023, Canadians of legal age spent a standard of $150 on cannabis. The enormous financial commitment reflects the rising legitimacy and acceptance of cannabis into many Canadians’ daily lives.
Proliferation of Legal Cannabis Stores
With over 3,000 legal cannabis shops functioning across Canada, this broad distribution has contributed to a shift favoring the legal market, with more than two-thirds of cannabis consumers opting to buy from authorized suppliers.
Motivations for Choosing Legal Cannabis
– Product Safety (38.0%): The vast majority of consumers choose legal items since they provide certainty of quality and are free of harmful substances.
– Convenience (16.9%): The simpleness of finding legal cannabis retailers, typically combined with internet purchasing opportunities, makes the legal market attractive.
– Desire to Follow the Law (12.9%): Many consumers desire to stay within the legal system.
The introduction of Delta 8 disposable vape into the Canadian cannabis market signals a significant change in customer behavior and palates. These products fulfill the growing demand for numerous and personalized cannabis experiences, driving the legal sector to move forward and experience innovation in vaping.
Dried Cannabis Is The Most Popular Product Sold In The Legal Market
| Cannabis | Popular Sold |
|---|---|
| Dried Flower/Leaf | 71.1% |
| Inhaled Extracts | 18.1% |
| Ingested Extracts | 3.9% |
| Solid Edibles | 4.1% |
| Beverages | 1.5% |
| Topicals, seeds and other cannabis products | 1.3% |
Source: 150.Stat.can.gc.Ca
Based on self-reported National Cannabis Survey data, nearly seven out of 10 Canadians who admitted to using cannabis in 2020 or afterward utilized dried flowers or leaves (71.1%). This group leads the cannabis industry, displaying that traditional cannabis consumption practices remain the most preferred. Inhaled extracts (18.1%), including vape oils and concentrates, account for an essential market portion.
Integration of Delta-8 Flower
As consumers realize more about all the different cannabinoids, consumer interest in delta 8 cartridges will continue to rise. This could cause a shift in market trends, with Delta 8 Flower potentially gaining more demand from other categories.
Sources: StatCan, 150.StatCan, ITC Flavors in Canada
The Bottom Line
The figures reveal that Canada has one of the highest young vaping rates (30%) among other nations, especially when it comes to daily vaping.
The primary reason adults vape is to help them stop or avoid reverting to smoking 27.6% / 16% — flavors have a significantly more significant relative influence on young vapers than they do on adults.”
Furthermore, developments in e-cigarette technology are constantly improving reliability and user experience, enabling a healthier alternative to nicotine usage.
To explore more statistics articles, check out the number of vape and e-cigarette brands, teen vaping statistics, and UK E-Cigarette statistics.
