EDMONTON, Alberta, April 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Modern Leaf, an industry leading cannabis education and e-commerce platform, recently commissioned a research study of 2,005 Western Canadians from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Online respondents were split between Urban (962), Suburban (667) and Rural (336) residents.

The findings of the January 2018 research indicate that a full 50.1 per cent of Western Canadians are current cannabis users, lapsed cannabis users or are open to trying it.

Not only are Western Canadians open to cannabis, 38.4 per cent of all respondents actually used cannabis in the past year, and 17 per cent of all respondents used it more frequently than once per week. Of self-reported cannabis users, 40 per cent use it multiple times per week.

Research clearly suggests there is an appetite for cannabis in Western provinces. It also suggests there is a strong demand for cannabis education. Ninety-five per cent of consumers are interested in learning more about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis; 90 per cent are interested in learning how different strains affect you; and another 90 per cent of consumers want to know which products are right for their individual needs.

“In a retail atmosphere with almost no traditional marketing allowed, and nothing but a set of numbers [basic cannabinoid content] to differentiate hundreds of brands and strains, how does an average consumer find what’s best for them? And how do we as retailers and producers achieve the goal of ‘the right product for the right person’? We do it through education as well as a quick and simple assessment process. Modern Leaf will be operating education centres and retail operations with the entire purpose of helping the individual get the best possible experience from cannabis, every time they shop and consume,” says Preston Drummond, Modern Leaf Founder & Executive Chairman.

As for purchasing, the study indicates top drivers are seller knowledge, available information about the products, company reputation and customer service / purchase experience.

It suggests top reasons for using cannabis are wellness related: relaxation (90 per cent), stress management (74 per cent) and pain management - only 42 per cent of consumers reported “getting high” as their primary reason for use.

The cannabis study was conducted by Eunometrics/ TRAN Inc. with the direction and assistance of Lampyon.

Preston Drummond will be presenting key findings of the study at the Cannabis and Hemp Expo in Edmonton at the Edmonton Expo Centre, April 28 at 3:00 pm MST. Media and the public are welcome.

Modern Leaf is a cannabis education service providing a controlled, guided sales process and premium quality cannabis products through its Certified Cannabis Guides; ecommerce, online and in-person support, and training centres.

Lampyon is a marketing and creative agency. Lampyon's services encompass market research, marketing strategy, branding, communications, creative design and development, as well as event and conference services from their event IT base in Dubai (UAE).

TRAN Inc. is a Canadian market research and analytics company focused on the healthcare and cannabis sector.

If you would like more information about the research or methodology, or to schedule an interview, please contact Brooke Wilkinson at 416-617-6545 or email at media@modernleaf.ca.

Contact: Brooke Wilkinson
416-617-6545
media@modernleaf.ca
www.modernleaf.ca