Many Canadians uncomfortable discussing use of cannabis: survey

Despite the fact cannabis has been legal in Canada for some time, many people are still uncomfortable talking about their use of the substance.

A survey conducted by Maru/Blue, commissioned by cannabis-brand FIGR Brands Inc., found that Canadians are uncomfortable discussing their use with their family and colleagues.

According to the results, less than two in five Canadians—39 per cent—were comfortable discussing their cannabis use with their parents, while only 17 per cent were comfortable discussing it with their boss, and 14 per cent were comfortable discussing it with their grandparents.

However, when it comes to friends and siblings, the topic is much more common for conversation—88 per cent of respondents said they would feel comfortable discussing their cannabis use with their friends, while 68 per cent said they would be comfortable discussing it with their significant other, and 60 per cent said they would talk about it with their siblings.

Additionally, of those who use cannabis, only 36 per cent said they would do so before a meal on a special occasion or holiday, while 35 per cent said they are likely to secretly or discreetly use the substance during a family holiday or event this year.

“In 2019, we surveyed Canadians and asked if they felt like cannabis was more socially acceptable since legalization and almost six in 10—59 per cent—said yes. In 2020, we can see a notable shift in the normalization of cannabis, but understandably, some may not be comfortable sharing their consumption with every person in their life yet,” Harvey Carroll, president of FIGR, said in a news release.

“When it comes to not wanting to talk to your boss about cannabis, I like to think FIGR employees don’t share that sentiment,” he continued.