From Experience to Evidence
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How lived experience can shape better substance use policy
Alcohol and cannabis use can be shaped by much more than individual choice. Early experiences, social norms, stress, mental health, physical health and perceptions of risk can all influence how patterns of use develop and change over time. Based on in-depth interviews with 30 adults facing challenges related to alcohol or cannabis use, this study looks beyond prevalence data to examine those experiences in participants' own words. It explores how substance use began, why it continued or changed, how participants understood its effects on their lives and what influenced whether they sought support.
The findings highlight important differences between alcohol and cannabis, particularly in how people perceive risk, experience stigma and find information or support. They also point to opportunities for earlier prevention, clearer information about cannabis, more accessible supports and policies and programs developed alongside people with lived experience.
Key Findings
Many Canadians Use Substances: 3 in 4 respondents reported using alcohol, and 1 in 4 reported using cannabis.
Starting Young and Social: For most, using alcohol or cannabis began in their teens. It was usually introduced by family or friends and was seen as a "normal" way to have fun or socialize.
The "It’s Not Me" Gap: Many people could see the dangers of substance use for other people, but didn't think those same risks applied to them.
The Weight of Judgment: People still feel judged for using cannabis, though this has slowly improved since it became legal. This fear of being judged often dictates who they talk to and whether they feel safe being honest about their habits.
Why does this matter?
Substance use data can show how common alcohol and cannabis use is, but lived experience helps explain why patterns begin, change and sometimes become harder to manage. Participants described how social use could become connected to stress, sleep, anxiety or other pressures, while stigma and perceptions of risk could shape whether they recognized a problem or sought support.
These insights point to the need for earlier prevention, clearer information, more accessible supports and policies developed with people who have lived experience.
About the findings
This study draws on 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with people in Canada conducted between September and November 2025. We identified participants through a prior national survey, using established screening tools for potentially harmful alcohol and cannabis use.
Pollara Strategic Insights conducted the research on our behalf. The interviews explored how substance use began and changed over time, motivations for use, perceived impacts on mental health and daily life and experiences seeking information or support.
We protected participant privacy throughout the study. Quotations are presented without identifying individuals in ways that could enable identification.
