Just shy of a third of Quebecers recently surveyed by the Quebec Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) reported their cannabis consumption had increased over the last week compared to before COVID-19, while the remainder said it had stayed the same or dropped.

Polled between Apr. 16 and 28, more than half of respondents — 55 per cent — noted that weed intake had remained about the same and 15 per cent said that it had decreased, according to a report from the Canadian Press.

As always when it comes to cannabis, clear differences existed among age groups. Adults aged 18 to 34 represented the age group most likely to increase cannabis consumption, with 39 per cent of these respondents noting they were using more cannabis products.

Figures also varied depending on if respondents were single or in a household with children, the Canadian Press reports. Still, about 34 per cent of polled singles reported consuming more cannabis as did about 31 per cent of those in homes with children.

Although about 12 per cent of Quebec adults have used cannabis at least once in the month of April, the Canadian Press cites INSPQ as reporting, 79 per cent said that was for recreational purposes and 21 per cent noted it was for medical purposes only.

About 34 per cent of polled singles reported consuming more cannabis as did about 31 per cent of those in homes with children. / PHOTO BY PIERRE OBENDRAUF /Montreal Gazette

Overall with regard to smoking tobacco, 38 per cent of smokers upped their cigarette consumption in the past month compared to before the pandemic. For alcohol drinkers, 40 per cent of adults taking part in the INSPQ survey indicated they had exceeded the maximum recommended number of drinks per week, the Canadian Press reports.

Statistics Canada data released in March showed that of the respondents who had previously consumed cannabis, 34 per cent reported they were having more during the pandemic. About a third of those in the age group reported consuming weed cannabis five or more days weekly.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health called it a “persistent and concerning trend” that about half of surveyed Canadians who used cannabis in the past week increased their consumption. / PHOTO BY FIZKES / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

A study out of the U.S. indicated that as the pandemic began, communities reporting a greater average number of mentally unhealthy days showed more visits to cannabis retailers. Respondents were asked to think about their mental health — including stress, depression and problems with emotion — and how many days during the past 30 included mental health issues.

Earlier this year, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health called it a “persistent and concerning trend” that about half of surveyed Canadians who used cannabis in the past week increased their consumption.

The pandemic has also produced some interesting approaches to supply and demand. A few times in the U.K., including in a case recently completed, people got themselves in hot water after reportedly trying to stock up on cannabis to ensure they had a ready supply while lockdowns continued.