Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, history, and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—and it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges that disproportionately affect queer and trans people across Canada, including right here in New Brunswick.
One of those challenges is higher rates of smoking and vaping, especially when it comes to cannabis and tobacco use. According to the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 2SLGBTQIA+ people are more likely than their straight counterparts to report:
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Smoking cannabis in the last 30 days: 25% (vs. 9%)
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Vaping cannabis in the last 30 days: 15% (vs. 4%)
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Higher rates of tobacco smoking (12.5% vs 10%) and vaping (11.5% vs 5.5%) as well.
These numbers don’t exist in a vacuum—they are connected to the real-world experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Why Are Smoking and Vaping Rates Higher?
Queer and trans people live with minority stress—a term used to describe the unique stressors experienced by marginalized groups, such as discrimination, family rejection, social isolation, and a lack of affirming healthcare. These challenges can lead some people to turn to smoking or vaping to cope.
What’s more, the tobacco industry has a long history of targeted marketing toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, sponsoring Pride events, advertising in queer publications, and positioning smoking as a symbol of rebellion or freedom. The impact of these strategies is still felt today.
Quitting Isn’t Easy—but Support is Available
NB Lung understands that quitting smoking or vaping is not always straightforward—especially when it’s tied to stress, identity, or community belonging. That’s why it’s so important to meet people where they’re at and offer support without judgment.
If you or someone you love is thinking about cutting back, switching to safer forms of cannabis, or quitting altogether—there are affirming, free resources available to help you take that first step:
🛠️ Quit Tools & Resources:
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📱 Quash App: A free, personalized app designed to help people quit smoking or vaping tobacco or nicotine, especially geared toward youth and young adults.
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📞 Tobacco-Free NB: Offers helpful quit tips, and a toll-free support line to connect you to trained quit coaches.
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🫁 NB Lung’s Patient Counselling: Free, confidential support from a respiratory therapist who understands the unique challenges of quitting and is trained to help you succeed.
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🏳️⚧️ Horizon Health’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Services: A guide to inclusive healthcare options across New Brunswick for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
- 🫶The Smokers Helpline is there to offer you text and phone support to help you quit smoking / vaping. Free nicotine replacement therapies are also available: 1-866-641-7675.
Community Is Health Care Too
Quitting is easier when you don’t have to do it alone. Across New Brunswick, queer community groups provide connection, support, and safe spaces where people can be themselves.
🌟 One example is Queer New Brunswick- this Facebook-based community group has created a list of 2SLGBTQIA+ counsellors, businesses, and associations in New Brunswick. The Facebook group was designed to be a place to find support, community, and comradery. You can find the group by searching “Queer New Brunswick” on Facebook, or access their resource list here.
Whether you’re thinking about quitting, just curious about your options, or already on the path—know that you’re not alone, and help is available.