The landscape of cannabis consumption in Canada has undergone a significant transformation. A recent national survey has illuminated a striking trend: a substantial 72% of Canadian cannabis consumers are now opting to purchase their products from legal sources. This shift is not only indicative of a change in consumer behavior but also highlights the growing trust in the regulated market.
Safety and Convenience: The Drivers of Change
Consumers have cited product safety as the primary reason for their preference for legal cannabis, with 38% of respondents underscoring this factor. The ease of access to legal dispensaries has also played a crucial role, with 16.9% valuing convenience. Moreover, a notable 12.9% of consumers are motivated by a desire to abide by the law, reflecting a societal shift towards compliance and regulation.
A Comparative Perspective: Then and Now
The survey’s findings represent a marked increase from previous years. In the year prior, only 61% reported using legal sources, a jump from 53% in 2021. This progression underscores the consolidation of the legal market and the diminishing role of illicit sources since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018.
Age-Related Trends in Consumption
The survey also sheds light on consumption patterns across different age groups. 38.4% of adults aged 18 to 24 and 34.5% of adults aged 25 to 44 reported using cannabis in the past year. In contrast, only 15.5% of adults aged 45 and older reported usage. Daily or near-daily consumption was reported by 8.7% of young adults and 10.3% of the middle-aged group, compared to 4.8% of the older demographic.
Economic Impact: A Flourishing Industry
The willingness to purchase legal cannabis is further substantiated by the 15.8% year-over-year increase in recreational cannabis sales by provincial authorities, amounting to an expenditure of approximately $4.7 billion. This economic upswing is a testament to the success of Canada’s cannabis policies and the robustness of the legal market.