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. 2024 Jan 3;6(1):1.
doi: 10.1186/s42238-023-00213-9.

Comparison of perceptions in Canada and USA regarding cannabis and edibles

Janet Music  1 , Brian Sterling  2 , Sylvain Charlebois  3 , Christine Goedhart  4
Affiliations

Comparison of perceptions in Canada and USA regarding cannabis and edibles

Janet Music et al. J Cannabis Res. .

Abstract

Background: Canada took a national approach to recreational cannabis that resulted in official legalization on October 17, 2018. In the United States (US), the approach has been more piecemeal, with individual states passing their own laws regulating adult use. The objective of this study was to compare the two jurisdictions.

Methods: Two exploratory, quantitative surveys were administered in May of 2021 in both Canada and the US. One thousand forty-seven Canadian and 1037 US residents (age 19 and older) were surveyed on approaches to and attendant regulations of consumer cannabis. Tests of significance were performed to analyze differences between two groups.

Results: No statistically significant differences exist between the two countries in terms of cannabis legalization acceptance. Usage rates among adults was similar with 45% of Canadians and 42% of Americans confirming they consume cannabis. Respondents maintain that they intend to increase their usage, with edibles attracting a rising level of interest from consumers.

Conclusions: Results suggest that public policy in both Canada and the USA needs to change to reflect rapidly evolving acceptance of cannabis products in North America to realize potential economic returns.

Keywords: Canada; Cannabis; Cannabis policy; Cannabis stigma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Current support of legalized cannabis: Canada and United States
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Popularity of cannabis formats in North America
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Support for municipal regulation of cannabis sellers
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Preferred cannabis edible products—USA and Canada
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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