With the recent legalization of marijuana in Canada, there has been a lot of talk about the drug and its use. But just how popular is it? In this blog post, we will explore the popularity of marijuana in Canada. We will look at surveys and data to see how many people are using the drug, and we will also explore some of the reasons why people use it. So if you’re curious about the state of marijuana in Canada, read on!
The History of Marijuana in Canada
Marijuana has a long and complicated history in Canada. The plant was first introduced to the country by European settlers in the 1600s and was used for both medical and industrial purposes. In the early 1900s, marijuana began to be seen as a recreational drug, and its use became increasingly popular in jazz clubs and speakeasies.
By the 1930s, marijuana had been banned in most of North America. However, its use continued underground, and by the 1960s there was a renewed interest in the drug, particularly among young people. This led to its gradual decriminalization in some jurisdictions, and eventually to its legalization for medicinal purposes in 2001.
Today, to buy weed online is legal in Canada more so if it is used for recreational use, making it one of only a handful of countries where this is the case. Cannabis is widely available across the country, and its use continues to be popular among Canadians of all ages.
Statistics on Marijuana Usage in Canada
As of 2018, it is estimated that around 4.9 million Canadians aged 15 and older (or 16% of the population) reported using cannabis in the past three months. This is a significant increase from just over 3 million (or 12% of the population) in 2015.
Cannabis use is particularly prevalent among young adults aged 18-24, with nearly one in three (32%) reporting use in the past three months. This is followed by those aged 25-44 (22%) and those aged 45-64 (9%).
When it comes to gender, slightly more males than females reported using cannabis in the past three months (17% vs. 14%). However, there has been a smaller increase in male users since 2015, while female users have increased at a much faster rate (doubling from 7% to 14%).
There are also some regional differences when it comes to cannabis use. Those living in Quebec and Atlantic Canada are least likely to report use, while those in Alberta and British Columbia are most likely.
In general, you must be 18 years or older to purchase, use, or grow cannabis in Canada. Some provinces have set a higher minimum age, such as 19 years old in Alberta and Quebec. It is important to note that it is illegal to take cannabis across international borders, even if you are traveling to a country where it is legal.
Current Laws Regarding Marijuana in Canada
In October 2018, Canada became the second and largest country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana. The Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17th, and adult Canadians are now able to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis products from licensed retailers.
While cannabis is now legal across the country, each province and territory has its own laws and regulations surrounding the sale and use of marijuana. For example, in Ontario adults are only able to purchase cannabis online from the provincial government’s website, while in Alberta there are over 250 private retail stores where adults can purchase cannabis products.
It is important to be aware of the laws in your area before consuming any cannabis products. For instance, it is still illegal to smoke marijuana in public places or drive while under the influence of cannabis. If you are caught breaking these or any other laws related to cannabis you may be subject to fines or even jail time.
Public Opinion on Marijuana in Canada
The public opinion on marijuana in Canada is quite favorable, with a majority of Canadians supporting legalization. A 2016 poll found that 62% of Canadians support legalization, while only 22% oppose it. This is a significant increase from previous years, where only around 40% of Canadians supported legalization.
There are a variety of reasons why Canadians have become more supportive of marijuana legalization. One reason is likely the increasing availability of information about the drug and its effects. With more and more people learning about marijuana, they are becoming more comfortable with the idea of legalizing it.
Another reason for the change in public opinion is the growing acceptance of cannabis in other countries. As more and more jurisdictions around the world legalize or decriminalize marijuana, Canadians are seeing that it is possible to have a legal cannabis industry without any negative consequences. This is helping to change people’s minds about marijuana legalization in Canada.
The Future of Marijuana in Canada
The future of marijuana in Canada is looking bright. With the legalization of recreational marijuana use set to take place in July 2018, it is estimated that the industry will be worth $22.6 billion by 2025. This would make it one of the largest industries in the country.
There are many factors that contribute to this estimate, such as the fact that Canada has a population of over 36 million people and a large number of these people are expected to use marijuana once it becomes legal. In addition, the Canadian government has said that they will be investing $1 billion into the marijuana industry over the next five years.
This investment will help to create jobs, increase tax revenue, and boost the economy. It is also expected to improve public safety by reducing the illegal market for marijuana. All of these factors contribute to a bright future for marijuana in Canada.
Conclusion
Marijuana is becoming increasingly popular in Canada, with more people using it for both recreational and medicinal purposes. While there is still some stigma attached to marijuana use, it is generally seen as being much safer than other drugs, such as alcohol or tobacco. With the legalization of recreational marijuana use set to take place in July 2018, it is likely that its popularity will continue to grow in the coming years.