Age differences in cannabis-related perceptions, knowledge, and sources of information among adults in the post-legalization era in Quebec, Canada.

Individuals access and perceive information about cannabis differently according to age groups. This study compared differences in beliefs and knowledge regarding cannabis, and exposure to information, advertisement, and prevention messages among emerging (18-24 years old), prime-age (25-44), middle-age (45-64), and old-age adults (65 and over). Participants (n=2,001) completed online questionnaires regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, mental health perception, cannabis use, sources of cannabis information, and exposure to advertisement and prevention messages. Bivariate analyses allowed the detection of differences among the age groups. Emerging adults exhibited more positive attitudes regarding cannabis and were more knowledgeable regarding cannabis facts than their older counterparts. Online media constituted the principal source of information for the overall sample. Health resources were the most trusted information source for all age groups, but only one-fifth of the sample consulted them. A higher proportion of emerging adults were exposed to cannabis advertisements and prevention messages. Old-age adults were more likely to be reached through traditional media. As perceptions and beliefs about cannabis, information access, and exposure to advertisement or prevention messages vary across age groups, effective prevention and education should be tailored accordingly. Health resources and scientific literature about cannabis should become more accessible and understandable to the general population.