Cannabis Leaf morphing to a Canadian Flag to show cannabis perceptions in Canada

The Blunt Truth: How Canadians Really Perceive Marijuana in 2024

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Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the latest survey insights into marijuana use, risk perceptions, and the shifting attitudes of Canadians in a post-legalization landscape."


Marijuana has undergone a significant transformation in Canada, transitioning from an illicit substance to a legally regulated product. This shift has sparked considerable debate and altered public perceptions regarding its use. Once confined to the shadows, marijuana is now subject to evolving policy reforms aimed at decriminalization and legalization.

Initially restricted to medical purposes under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), legal access has expanded, prompting a need to understand how Canadians perceive the harms and risks associated with marijuana use. It's crucial to consider the public's viewpoint, especially in contrast with scientific evidence, to inform effective public health strategies.

This article explores the latest research into marijuana use among Canadians, examining patterns of consumption, perceptions of risk and harm, and attitudes toward its impact on mental and physical health. By analyzing survey data, we aim to provide insights that can guide policy makers, healthcare providers, and individuals in making informed decisions about marijuana use in a rapidly changing legal and social environment.

Understanding Canadian Attitudes Towards Marijuana

Cannabis Leaf morphing to a Canadian Flag to show cannabis perceptions in Canada

A comprehensive survey was conducted to gauge the attitudes of Canadians toward marijuana use, comparing perceptions of harm relative to other substances like alcohol and tobacco. The survey, administered online and via telephone, targeted a representative sample of the Canadian population, considering factors such as age, sex, and region to ensure accuracy.

The survey delved into various aspects of marijuana use, including personal usage patterns, perceived harm to mental and physical health, and comparisons with other substances. Key questions explored whether respondents believed marijuana was more or less harmful than cigarettes, alcohol, prescription drugs, and other illicit substances.

  • Usage Prevalence: Twenty percent of Canadians reported using marijuana in the past 12 months.
  • Demographic Trends: Marijuana use was more prevalent among younger individuals and males.
  • Income Influence: Respondents with lower incomes (less than $50,000) were more likely to report marijuana use.
  • Consumption Methods: Smoking dried marijuana was the most common method of consumption (79%). Other methods included vaporizers, bongs, edibles, and co-use with tobacco.
  • Perception of Harm: A significant proportion (42% to 41%) considered marijuana more harmful than helpful to mental and physical health.
Overall, the survey provided valuable insights into the current landscape of marijuana use and perceptions in Canada, highlighting demographic trends, consumption methods, and attitudes toward its social and health impacts. The findings offer a foundation for informed discussions and policy decisions in the evolving world of legalized cannabis.

Implications and Future Directions

This study underscores the evolving landscape of marijuana use in Canada and highlights the importance of ongoing research to inform public health policy. As legalization continues to reshape societal attitudes, it is essential to monitor usage patterns, perceptions of risk and harm, and potential health consequences. Further research should explore the long-term effects of marijuana use, evaluate the effectiveness of public health campaigns, and address disparities in access and outcomes across different populations. Only through evidence-based approaches can Canada navigate the complexities of marijuana legalization and promote the health and well-being of its citizens.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.12927/hcpol.2017.25194, Alternate LINK

Title: Marijuana Use And Perceptions Of Risk And Harm: A Survey Among Canadians In 2016

Subject: Earth-Surface Processes

Journal: Healthcare Policy | Politiques de Santé

Publisher: Longwoods Publishing

Authors: Eldon Spackman, Rebecca Haines-Saah, Vishva Danthurebandara, Laura Dowsett, Tom Noseworthy, Fiona Clement

Published: 2017-08-31

Everything You Need To Know

1

What percentage of Canadians have used marijuana in the past year, and which demographics are more likely to use it?

According to the survey, twenty percent of Canadians reported using marijuana in the past 12 months. The survey also found that marijuana use was more prevalent among younger individuals and males. Additionally, respondents with lower incomes (less than $50,000) were more likely to report marijuana use.

2

How do Canadians perceive the harm of marijuana to their mental and physical health?

The survey indicates that a significant proportion of Canadians, specifically 42%, consider marijuana more harmful than helpful to mental health, while 41% hold the same view regarding physical health. This perception is a key factor in shaping public health strategies and policy decisions concerning cannabis use.

3

What are the most common methods of marijuana consumption among Canadians, according to recent survey data?

The most common method of marijuana consumption reported in the survey was smoking dried marijuana, with 79% of users choosing this method. Other methods included vaporizers, bongs, edibles, and co-use with tobacco. Understanding these consumption patterns is important for tailoring public health interventions and harm reduction strategies.

4

How has the legal framework around marijuana access changed in Canada, and what was the initial regulation?

Initially, access to marijuana was restricted to medical purposes under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). However, with evolving policy reforms aimed at decriminalization and legalization, legal access has expanded significantly. This shift necessitates ongoing research to understand the evolving landscape of marijuana use and its impacts on Canadian society.

5

What future research is needed to fully understand the implications of marijuana legalization in Canada?

Further research should focus on several key areas to better understand the implications of marijuana legalization. This includes exploring the long-term effects of marijuana use on mental and physical health, evaluating the effectiveness of public health campaigns aimed at educating the public about responsible cannabis use, and addressing disparities in access to cannabis and related health outcomes across different populations. Evidence-based approaches are crucial for navigating the complexities of marijuana legalization and promoting the health and well-being of all Canadians.

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