Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, both CBD and THC have become staples in many households across the country. Consumers have grown more familiar with these products, using them for various reasons ranging from pain relief to recreational enjoyment.
In 2025, the question on many minds is: What are Canadian consumers choosing between CBD and THC? With an increasing number of CBD products online Canada, it’s clear that both compounds have carved out their own niches in the market. But what are people actually picking, and why? Let’s break it down.
Understanding CBD and THC: The Basics
To understand why consumers gravitate toward one over the other, it’s important to understand what CBD and THC are and what sets them apart.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you “high.” It’s often used for its therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, reducing anxiety, and helping with sleep issues.
What is THC?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gives users the “high” sensation typically associated with marijuana. In addition to its recreational appeal, THC has medical benefits, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and helping with nausea.
Key Differences
- Psychoactive Effects: THC induces a high, while CBD does not.
- Therapeutic Uses: CBD is mainly used for stress, pain relief, and anxiety, while THC is often used for recreational purposes or managing conditions like chronic pain and nausea.
- Legality: Both CBD and THC are legal in Canada, but THC is more heavily regulated due to its psychoactive nature.
The Changing Preferences of Canadian Consumers
As cannabis has become more accessible, consumer preferences have evolved. Initially, many people were drawn to THC for its recreational effects, but as awareness of CBD’s benefits has spread, there has been a noticeable shift.
How Preferences Have Evolved Since Legalization
When cannabis was first legalized, most Canadians were primarily interested in THC-based products for recreational use. However, over the years, more people have sought out CBD for its health benefits. As research into CBD’s therapeutic effects has expanded, it has become a go-to for those looking for wellness support without the high.
What Are Canadian Consumers Buying in 2025?
According to recent surveys and market trends, CBD products online in Canada are seeing steady growth, particularly in health-focused areas such as stress management, pain relief, and sleep aids. While THC remains popular for recreational users, CBD is gaining ground for its non-psychoactive, therapeutic effects.
What’s Happening in 2025? The Market Trends and Consumer Demands
In 2025, the cannabis market is seeing new trends and shifts in consumer demand. Here’s what’s shaping the landscape:
CBD Product Growth
There has been a noticeable surge in CBD-infused products, including oils, topicals, edibles, and drinks. With increasing consumer interest in wellness products, many are now turning to CBD for everyday use. Products like CBD oil and CBD capsules are growing in popularity as people seek alternative treatments for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
THC’s Continued Popularity
Despite the rise of CBD, THC continues to be popular, especially for those who use it for recreational purposes. Edibles, vapes, and concentrates are among the top-selling THC products in Canada, appealing to a wide range of consumers who want a potent and enjoyable experience.
Hybrid Products and the Future of Cannabis Consumption
A new trend gaining traction is hybrid products that blend both CBD and THC. These products are designed to offer a balanced experience, providing the benefits of both compounds without the intensity of a pure THC high. This hybrid approach is likely to appeal to consumers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Legal Landscape and Regulations: What’s Shaping Consumer Choice?
Canada’s cannabis regulations play a huge role in shaping what consumers choose and how they use CBD and THC products.
Canada’s Cannabis Regulations
Since cannabis was legalized in 2018, strict regulations have been put in place to ensure the safe production and distribution of both CBD and THC. This includes age restrictions (19+ in most provinces), licensed producers, and regulated sales channels. The Canadian government has also implemented strict testing and labelling requirements to ensure product safety and quality.
Changes in the Law in 2025
In 2025, we may see further updates to cannabis laws. These could include changes to product formulations, packaging, or even adjustments to the legal limits on THC content in products. Any new regulations will likely impact how Canadians use and choose between CBD and THC.
Consumer Demographics: Who’s Choosing What?
Cannabis consumption in Canada spans a broad range of demographics. Let’s take a look at the groups that are leaning toward either CBD or THC.
Age and Gender Preferences
Younger Canadians, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are showing a preference for CBD, often seeking it out for wellness and mental health benefits. Older generations, on the other hand, still tend to lean more toward THC for its relaxation and medicinal properties.
Health-Conscious Consumers vs. Recreational Users
Health-conscious consumers are likely to choose CBD for its therapeutic benefits, such as easing anxiety and relieving pain. On the other hand, recreational users typically prefer THC for its psychoactive effects. However, with the growing variety of hybrid products, some people are now mixing both for a balanced experience.
Conclusion: The Future of CBD and THC in Canada
In 2025, both CBD and THC have solidified their roles in the Canadian cannabis market, with consumers choosing based on their specific needs. CBD continues to grow in popularity due to its health benefits, while THC remains a go-to for recreational use and medical purposes. As hybrid products gain ground, we’re likely to see even more Canadians blending the best of both worlds.
