Given the fact that the federal government intends to decriminalize marijuana in 2018 and that the province of Ontario has recently indicated that it will use the LCBO infrastructure for distribution, Torontonians were asked to give their opinions on a series of related issues.
One quarter (24%) of Torontonians indicate that they will be “buying marijuana soon after it becomes legal and available”. This was most likely to be the case for men (28%) versus women (20%), and those who are younger (32% aged 18 – 34) and middle-aged (26% aged 35 – 54) compared to those who are older (13% aged 55+). Those with children (27%), with post secondary education (28%), renters (29%) and employed (26%) are also more likely to purchase weed. Across the city, this is likely to be most popular in the Old City of Toronto/Downtown (31%) followed by York/East York (25%), Etobicoke (23%), Scarborough (22%) and North York (16%).
When it comes to distribution, Torontonians are split: 50% agree and 50% disagree the LCBO should be the only designated outlet to sell marijuana through its new LCCO if it becomes legal and available.
Those most likely to agree are older (59% aged 55+) and have children (54%). Agreement with this initiative across the city’s is highest in Scarborough and North York (each at 53%) followed by those in Etobicoke (52%), York/East York (49%) and in the Old City of Toronto/Downtown (46%).
Those most likely to disagree are younger (57% aged 18 – 34) Torontonians and across the city are those in the Old City of Toronto/Downtown (54%) followed by those in York/East York (51%), Etobicoke (48%), and Scarborough and North York (each at 47%).
Four in 10 (43%) oppose any licensed outlet selling marijuana in their neighbourhood – and are more likely have children (54%), own their own residence (51%), to be middle-aged (46% aged 35 – 54) and are female (45%) versus males (41%). Opposition to selling marijuana in neighbourhoods is highest in North York (54%) followed by those in Scarborough (49%), Etobicoke (42%), York/East York (39%) and in Old City of Toronto/Downtown (32%).
Of those who do not oppose any licensed outlet selling marijuana in their neighbourhood (57%) they are most likely to be men (59%) versus women (55%), younger (60% 18 – 34) and those who rent (68%). Geographically, the higher support level is found in the Old City of Toronto/Downtown (68%) followed by those in York/East York (61%), Etobicoke (58%), Scarborough (51%) and North York (46%).
Four in 10 (43%) believe there’s the need for a “referendum on making marijuana legal instead of government just making it so”. This is led by people with children (49%), women (45%), is strong in all age groups (42% - 45%), those lower educated (55%) and is most likely to be found in North York (53%), Scarborough (51%), York/East York (45%), Etobicoke (42%) and Old City of Toronto/Downtown (27%).
In the alternate, six in 10 (57%) don’t believe there is a need for a referendum. Those who share the sentiment are more likely to be men (59%) versus women (55%), consistent in all age demographics (55% – 58%), highest educated (59%), renters (58%), and those without children (58%). Geographically, opposition to any referendum is most likely to be found from those in the Old City of Toronto/Downtown (73%) followed by those in Etobicoke (58%), York/East York (55%), Scarborough (49%), and North York (47%).