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In September, the results of the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) were released for the 2014-15 year. The CSTADS is a national survey of tobacco, alcohol and drug use among Canadian students in grades 6 to 12. More than 42,000 students responded to the survey, conducted by the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo on behalf of Health Canada. Only students in grades 7 to 12 were asked questions about drugs and alcohol.

Some highlights from CSTADS:

  • Cigarette smoking prevalence among students in grades 6-12 in the 2014-15 school year was 3%, down from 4% in 2012-13
  • 30 days preceding the survey, 7% of students had used a flavoured tobacco product and 3% had used menthol cigarettes, compared to 8% and 3% last year, respectively
  • Aapproximately 143,000 students or 6%, had used an e-cigarette, and 47% thought it would be "fairly easy" or "very easy" to get an e-cigarette if they wanted one
  • Of students in grades 7-12, 17% of students reported using cannabis, and 58% thought that smoking cannabis on a regular basis put people at "great risk" of harm
  • 3% of students reported using prescription painkillers to get high

Summary of Results - Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey

University of Waterloo - Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey

Propel Centre for Population Health Impact

Health Canada News Release