No change in approval of legal marijuana, may affect some voters’ decisions in 2019

In the seventh wave of the Campaign Research Poll, a national online public opinion omnibus survey, using a sample of 1770 Canadian voters, showed that almost one half (49%) approve the legal, recreational use of marijuana in 2018, while about 4 in 10 disapprove (39%). Just one tenth have no opinion on this issue (11%). These results are very similar to those noted in April (approve - 50%, disapprove - 38%). Approval is especially strong among youth (62%), and in males (52%) over females (48%). Geographically, strong support for the recreational use of marijuana is observed in Atlantic Canada (70%) and in Ontario, outside the GTA (56%). Across political lines, legalization of marijuana is predominantly supported by Liberals (61%) and Greens (70%). Of course, support for this new measure is strongest among those who already smoke marijuana (89%). However, even among those who haven’t smoked marijuana in the past year, there is moderate approval of legalization (40%).

LEGALIZATION HAS SOME EFFECT ON 2019 VOTE

In total, about one seventh of voters are more likely to vote Liberal because of the marijuana legalization legislation (15%), while one quarter say this policy makes them less likely to vote Liberal (25%). Among those who currently smoke marijuana, as many as a third are more likely to vote Liberal (36%), while just less than a tenth are less likely to do so (8%). Among current NDP supporters, about one tenth are more likely to vote Liberal, while twice as many (23%) are not. Overall, the majority (53%) says that the legalization of marijuana does not affect their decision to vote for the Liberal government in the next election, and this holds true across most groups.

ONE FIFTH NOW SMOKE MARIJUANA

In the past year, one fifth of Canadian voters have used marijuana (18%). This number is close to the proportion who currently smoke cigarettes (21%). Using cannabis or marijuana is characteristic of the youngest (18 to 24 - 29%) and boomers (55 to 64 - 24%), in Atlantic Canada (23%), Ontario outside the GTA (23%), Green Party voters (40%) and the least wealthy (35%).

“While half the voting population continues to favour recreational marijuana legalization, it does not appear to be a vote-driver for the Liberals, as a majority state they are not more likely to vote for them in the next election.” said Eli Yufest, CEO of Campaign Research. Eli may be reached at eyufest@campaignresearch.ca or at (647) 931 4025, ext. 109

METHODOLOGY

This poll was conducted online, between September 8 and 11, 2017 among a panel of 1770 Canadian voters. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.3%, 19 out of 20 times.