By Jon Hiltz

 

Last week the results from a recent Forum Poll were released, and they show that 3 in 10 Canadians want to access their marijuana from dispensaries.

The poll was mainly to determine the percentage of Canadians that approved of Shoppers Drug Mart applying for a license to distribute medical marijuana, but it asked more detailed questions on where Canadians want to purchase cannabis in general.

The catalyst for the questionnaire happened last month when it was reported that Canada’s largest pharmacy chain officially applied to be a licensed producer of medical cannabis. The drug retailer stated at the time that it has no interest in cultivation, they simply want to be an access point for patients. The results of that portion of the poll showed 61 percent approved of Shoppers actions.

The detailed results of the poll, however, reveal a more telling outlook in regards to where Canadians want to access their pot. Specialized cannabis dispensaries were the number one choice for Canadians at 30 percent. That number is closely followed by pharmacies at 28 percent and liquor stores at 18 percent.

It should be noted that there is a strong possibility for a few different outlets. This is evident with the fact that Shoppers Drug Mart is simply looking at being a medical marijuana provider. The liquor store option would be a solution for the upcoming recreational market, and could easily co-exist in Canada alongside either the pharmacy chain, dispensaries, or both.

Another important statistic that will drive sales numbers will be the percentage of Canadians who plan to buy legal weed. This poll revealed that more than a quarter (27 percent) of Canadian voters will purchase marijuana once it’s legal. A further 17 percent say they are also “likely” to do so.

“It is clear that Canadians are as enthusiastic about seeing medical marijuana in the nation’s leading pharmacy chain as they are about legalization in general,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff. “In other words, very enthusiastic. They are not as enthusiastic about seeing it sold in liquor stores, pharmacies, and the current retail distribution system. Dispensaries are preferred.”

This month, the Marijuana Task Force is expected to present Prime Minister Trudeau with a framework on how recreational cannabis will be integrated into everyday society. Most polls presented thus far have marijuana dispensaries as one of the favorite options for Canadians.

The Prime Minister will be listening closely to the Task Force, and the hope from Canadians is that they will have been heard as well.