In a recent survey conducted by Research Co, it was discovered that the majority of Canadians are in favor of the legalization of cannabis, but the sentiment doesn’t extend to other drugs.
The study, which involved 1,000 adults across Canada, found that 64 percent of respondents are supportive of the legalization of cannabis. This comes as no surprise, considering it has been five years since cannabis was legalized in Canada through the Cannabis Act, which came into effect on October 17, 2018.
Interestingly, support for cannabis legalization was highest among Canadians aged 55 and over, with 66 percent in favor. The proportions were slightly lower among those aged 35 to 54 (56 percent) and even lower among those aged 18 to 34 (48 percent).
Although there is significant support for cannabis legalization, the sentiment changes when it comes to other drugs. Only a small percentage of Canadians believe that substances like ecstasy, powder cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine (or “crystal meth”), or fentanyl should be made legal. For example, only 12 percent of respondents believe that ecstasy and powder cocaine should be legalized, while 10 percent think it’s time to legalize heroin and crack cocaine. Additionally, only 9 percent think methamphetamine, crystal meth, or fentanyl should be made legal.
The survey also revealed that while 53 percent of Canadians claim to have never consumed marijuana, for those who have used it, 48 percent stated that all their cannabis products were purchased from a licensed retailer. Interestingly, 17 percent said that they had never bought cannabis from a licensed retailer.
Furthermore, the survey tackled the issue of drug testing in the workplace. Based on the data, 58 percent of Canadians believe that employers should have the option to administer drug tests to their employees.
When it comes to the federal government pardoning individuals previously convicted of possessing cannabis for personal use, 70 percent of Canadians support the idea. Ontarians were found to be most in favor of pardons, with 72 percent in support, closely followed by respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (71 percent), Alberta (70 percent), Quebec (68 percent), and Atlantic Canada and British Columbia (65 percent).
Overall, the survey highlights the differing attitudes towards drug legalization among Canadians. While the majority stand behind the legalization of cannabis, there is much less support for other substances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What percentage of Canadians support the legalization of cannabis?
According to the survey conducted by Research Co, 64 percent of Canadians are in favor of the legalization of cannabis.
2. Do Canadians support the legalization of other drugs?
The survey found that only a small percentage of Canadians support the legalization of other drugs. For example, 12 percent believe ecstasy and powder cocaine should be legalized, 10 percent think it’s time to legalize heroin and crack cocaine, and 9 percent think methamphetamine, crystal meth, or fentanyl should be made legal.
3. How do Canadians feel about employers conducting drug tests?
Based on the survey data, 58 percent of Canadians think employers should have the option to administer drug tests to any employee.
4. Are Canadians supportive of pardoning individuals previously convicted of possessing cannabis?
The survey reveals that 70 percent of Canadians are in support of the federal government pardoning those who had been previously convicted of having cannabis for personal use with no plan to sell it.
5. Where can Canadians purchase cannabis?
According to the survey, 48 percent of those who have used cannabis stated that all their products were purchased from a licensed retailer, while 17 percent said they had never bought it from a licensed retailer.
(Source: Research Co)