As Canada moves forward with federal legalization, two in three Canadians surveyed by Business of Cannabis and Nanos Research indicated they are “uncomfortable” or “somewhat uncomfortable” using cannabis products with their families but citizens across all age demographics are supportive of legalization and retail sales.
The survey, released Jan. 10, found that 82.1 percent of Canadians under 35-years-old supported the reforms, along with 67.6 percent of those between 35 and 54, and 64.2 percent of citizens 55-and-older. Forty-two percent of respondents indicated they are “familiar” of what the federal and provincial government are doing in terms of regulations, another 46 percent said they are “somewhat familiar.”
Citizens would like the industry to do more to raise awareness about safety and education. The survey found just 17 percent of Canada agreed that the industry is taking sufficient steps to ensure responsible usage and safety, while 25 percent “somewhat” agreed and nearly the same percentage – 25 percent – disagreed that the industry was taking such steps.
Canadians overwhelmingly believe there are medical benefits to cannabis. A whopping 49 percent agreed that cannabis consumption has medical benefits, and another 32 percent “somewhat” agreed; while 7 percent “somewhat” disagreed and 6 percent disagreed.
The survey was conducted Dec. 6 and 10, 2017 and polled 1,000 Canadians.