Few Want Marijuana Sold in LCBO

| Filed under: Social Issues

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.