More Canadians buying cannabis only from legal sources, citing safety: StatCan

Nearly six years since cannabis became legal for sale in Canada, new data shows a majority of those using the products available are exclusively buying from legal sources.

The data released Monday found almost 72 per cent of Canadians who used cannabis in the 12 months before the national cannabis survey of 2023 was conducted bought only from a legal vendor.

When asked why they did so, product safety was the biggest reason for 38 per cent or respondents. About 17 per cent said the convenience of buying from the legal market was behind their decision-making. Approximately 13 per cent said they bought from a legal source because of their desire to follow the law.

Retail Cannabis Council of British Columbia board member Matthew Greenwood, who also owns cannabis store Up in Smoke in the province, said the numbers are “exciting.”

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“It’s just nice to