Poll Surveys Canadians’ Views on the Economic Role of the Country’s Legal Cannabis Industry

Image | adobe.stock/freshidea

In an April 16, 2025 press release, the Canadian cannabis company Organigram Global Inc. announced results from a national survey on the country’s legal cannabis industry and economic outlook (1). The survey was conducted between April 3–8, 2025 by Abacus Data.

The survey involved 1915 participants over the age of 18 who were living in Canada. According to summaries in the press release, results included:

• Almost nine out of ten respondents stated that Canada should grow the economy in new ways
• Similarly, a majority of respondents stated that Canada should seize new opportunities for economic growth
• A majority agreed with eliminating trade barriers between provinces and improving jobs within the country
• 57% of participants see cannabis as important to the country’s economy and 62% stated it could hold a more important role in the future
• 64% stated they were open to the idea of the federal government doing more to support the growth of the cannabis sector
• Among participants ages 18–29, 73% favored a more supportive environment for the growth of the cannabis sector, along with 57% of participants ages 60 and over.

Also highlighted in the results, the regions with the strongest cannabis industry ties showed the most support for the industry.

The press release noted changes in trade with US and the upcoming federal election in Canada as significant factors that contribute to Canadians’ views on the cannabis sector as an integral part of national economic strength.

“Canadians want their country to thrive through innovative, homegrown industries – and cannabis is firmly on that list,” stated Beena Goldenberg, CEO of Organigram, in the press release. “The message from Canadians is clear: Canada’s next Prime Minister must remove barriers and support sectors that deliver jobs, growth, and economic resilience.”

According to data in the press release, in 2024, the country’s cannabis industry contributed more than $7.4 billion to the country’s gross domestic product, and since legalization about 10 years ago, the industry has contributed $43 billion to the GDP It also encompasses more than 80,000 jobs. In comparison, breweries contribute $2.6 billion annually and wineries and distilleries contribute $1.2 billion.

Organigram operates multiple facilities in Canda, and brands part of its profile include Edison, Holy Mountain, Big Bag O’ Buds, SHRED, SHRED’ems, Monjour, Tremblant Cannabis, Trailblazer, BOXHOT and DEBUNK.

Reference

1. Organigram Global Inc. New Abacus Data Poll Reveals that Most Canadians See Cannabis as a Key Pillar of Canada’s Economic Future https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416457263/en/New-Abacus-Data-Poll-Reveals-that-Most-Canadians-See-Cannabis-as-a-Key-Pillar-of-Canadas-Economic-Future (accessed April 23, 2025).