Few Want Marijuana Sold in LCBO
Pharmacies, dispensaries preferred
In a random sampling
of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1173 Ontario voters, the
plurality, more than a third, say that pharmacies are the best place to sell
legal marijuana (35%), followed by more than a quarter who prefer marijuana
dispensaries (26%). Just one fifth opt for the LCBO (20%). After this, very few
believe it should be sold in convenience stores (3%) or by private individuals
(2%).
Preferring sales in
the LCBO is common to the youngest (25%), males (24%) rather than females
(16%), the wealthy (27%), in Northern Ontario (27%) and among New Democrats
(26%). Preference for marijuana dispensaries is common to the young (33%), the
wealthiest (32%), in eastern Ontario (42%), among Liberals (32%), among mothers
of children (35%) and the college educated (28%). Preference for pharmacies as
a distribution channel is characteristic of boomers (55 to 64 - 42%), females
(39%), in the Toronto 905 area code (42%), among PC supporters (43%) and the
least educated (40%).
One half say it’s inappropriate to sell
pot and booze together
One half of Ontario
voters say it is inappropriate to sell marijuana at LCBOs where alcohol is also
sold (50%), and they are evenly distributed between those who think it
"not very appropriate" (25%) and those who think it "not at all
appropriate" (25%). Thinking this retail pairing to be very appropriate
(22% in total) is common to the youngest (30%), males (26%), the wealthiest
($100K to $250K - 27%), in northern Ontario (28%), among the best educated
(27%) and those who have used marijuana in the past (33%).
Even split on individual grow exemption
There is an even
split in opinion on whether individuals should be allowed to grow their own
plants when marijuana is legalized (42%) or not (45%), and this represents a
closing of the gap since the last time we polled this (April, 2016, yes - 41%,
no - 50%). Approval of an individual grower exemption is characteristic of the
youngest (49%), males (51%), the wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 48%), in Northern
Ontario 48%), among New Democrats (51%) and among marijuana (63%) and alcohol users
(49%).
Majority approves of legalized marijuana
Among Ontario
voters, the majority (54%) approve of legalized marijuana, while just fewer
than 4-in-10 disapprove (38%). Few have no opinion (8%). Being in favour of
legal pot is characteristic of the youngest (66%), males (59%), the least
wealthy (less than $20K - 60%, often a proxy for youth) and the wealthiest
($100K to $250K - 61%), in northern Ontario (62%), among New Democrats (67%),
the best educated (post grad - 59%) and among users of pot (75%) and alcohol (59%).
Even among some less likely groups, there is significant approval (65+ - 41%,
Progressive Conservatives - 40%).
4-in-10
have used pot, 7-in-10 drink
Among Ontario
voters, just more than 4-in-10 have ever used marijuana (43%), and two thirds
drink alcohol (69%). Marijuana usage is common to the youngest (55%), males
(47%), the least wealthy (often a proxy for youth - 47%) and the wealthiest
(48%), in northern Ontario (60%), among New Democrats (60%) and among those who
drink (51%). Among less likely groups are the oldest (65+ - 19%) and
Progressive Conservatives (37%).
The profile of those
who drink includes the youngest (75%) males (78%), the wealthiest (82%), PC
supporters (75%), the best educated (post grad - 75%) and those who have used
pot (81%).
“While the
government considers the LCBO the best place to control and regulate the
distribution of legal pot, it is apparent voters don’t agree and, in fact, many
find the combination of marijuana and alcohol to be an inappropriate retail
mix. Pharmacies and dispensaries are preferred " said Forum Research
President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff,
Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at
lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.
