October 17, 2018: From June 7 to July 8 this summer, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health promoted an online survey regarding residents’ attitudes toward cannabis including their current patterns of use, their knowledge about the substance and their interest in consuming it once legal.
The survey was completed by 2776 individuals, with 49% of respondents from the City of Guelph, 30% from Wellington County and 21% from Dufferin County.
The survey results helped inform WDG Public Health’s talkingaboutweed.ca information campaign which highlights the health impacts of cannabis so residents can make responsible decisions about using cannabis.
The survey found that 36% of residents who had not used cannabis in the past year said they were “likely” to use once it is legal.
Of those currently using cannabis, 23% report using it daily. However, only 46% of those who had used cannabis in the past year agreed that using cannabis daily, or almost daily, can result in problems with memory, learning or decision making.
And 22% who report using it in the past year say they had driven a car, snowmobile, motor boat or all-terrain vehicle within 2 hours of using cannabis.
Another topic that Public Health is providing education on is cannabis use and pregnancy. Of those who reported using cannabis in the past year, only 61% thought using it while pregnant can harm your baby. However, like alcohol, no amount of cannabis is safe for your baby while pregnant.
On the topic of edibles, it is important to understand edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours or more to produce any effect as opposed to the seconds or minutes it takes to feel the effects of cannabis by smoking or vaping it. Individuals are at risk of overconsuming edibles if they eat too much too quickly and can become paranoid or anxious.
Less than half of respondents were aware of the delayed onset of edibles, yet over half of them expressed interest in trying them once legal.
The full results of the survey will be released in an upcoming report to the Board of Health.
For more information contact:
Chuck Ferguson
Manager of Communications
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca