Canada: Nearly 80% of Cannabis Purchased Legally
A new report from the International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) shows that most cannabis sold in Canada is bought through legal channels.
A new report from the International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) shows that most cannabis sold in Canada is bought through legal channels.
The ICPS conducts annual surveys in six countries, gathering responses from people aged 16 to 65 living in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This research is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, with additional support from nonprofit public health organisations in the participating countries. The study enables an evaluation of different cannabis policies and comparisons of the various laws in these countries.
On October 17, 2018, Canada became the first G8 country to legalise cannabis for recreational use. Nearly seven years later, the results are encouraging. One of the main goals of legalisation was to reduce the black market. Although it took time for Canadians to adjust their purchasing habits, significant progress has been made. In 2019, over half (54.3%) of cannabis consumed in Canada came from the black market. By 2021, legal cannabis represented the majority at 53%. In 2022, this percentage increased to 61%, according to the Canadian Cannabis Survey (CCS). The latest study indicates that 78% of cannabis purchased by Canadians in the past year came from legal distributors and stores.
What Are the Prices of Cannabis in Canada?
Price plays a crucial role in attracting consumers to the legal market. Researchers asked participants about the price per gram for their most recent purchase. On average, a gram of cannabis flower costs $6.25 on the legal market, while it’s $4.76 on the black market—a difference of $1.49. In 2019, this gap was $3. For hash, the average price on the legal market is $16.13, whereas the black market price is considerably lower at $9.93. Lastly, a gram of concentrate costs an average of $27.21 legally, compared to $23.45 on the black market.
More From Soft Secrets:
L
Liz Filmer
