Cannabis is a commonly used drug in Canada and is used recreationally or for its therapeutic effects.
In 2017, 4.4 million (15 per cent) of Canadians reported having used cannabis in the past-year. Of that population, 37 per cent (or 1.6 million) said they used cannabis for medical reasons.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2001. The federal government regulates its supply and distribution.
There is evidence that cannabis helps to relieve nausea and certain types of pain. However, more research is required to determine the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and its potential to treat other conditions.
Some people use cannabis because of the psychoactive effects produced by the chemical substance THC.