OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Even though close to 6 in 10 Canadians report they have tried it, the majority of Canadians have no interest in consuming cannabis-based products once they become legal in 24 hours, according to a new public opinion survey.

The Nanos poll commissioned by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) found that 62% say they will not use cannabis after Wednesday.   

Other key findings from the poll include:

• 20% or 1 in 5 Canadians mention people driving or working while impaired as their top concern about the legalization of cannabis.
• 17% worry about the negative effects on youth (easier access, affecting their developing brain).
• Close to 9 in 10 Canadians agree or somewhat agree that schools should play a role in educating youth about using cannabis.
• 70% of Canadians are somewhat not confident or not confident that the police have the tools they need to detect cannabis/marijuana-impaired driving.

“The results of this poll illustrate that Canadians have strong opinions on a variety of matters related to legal cannabis,” states Rebecca Jesseman, CCSA’s director of policy, “whether it be on their own fears, personal consumption, the role of the education system or law enforcement having the tools they need to effectively police it. These beliefs will have a strong impact on our society as we move forward into a world where cannabis is legal.”   

A presentation of the poll results by Nik Nanos, followed by a panel discussion also featuring Jesseman and Dr. Mark Ware, Chief Medical Officer at Canopy Growth, can be viewed on the Facebook page of the Sixth Estate.

Both Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder, Nanos Research, and Rebecca Jesseman, Director, Policy, CCSA, are available for interviews. 

Media contact

Lee Arbon, Communications Advisor, CCSA
Tel.:  613-235-4048, ext. 276   I   Email: media@ccsa.ca  
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CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada.

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/42768260-c4b2-4d0b-8f0e-7ec30f21db41