Canada’s bold move to legalize marijuana eight years ago is paying off in public opinion. A fresh poll reveals that support for keeping cannabis legal has climbed to 65 percent, up from last year, showing more folks are on board with the change. But what about other drugs? The numbers tell a different story, sparking questions on where the country heads next.
The latest survey from Research Co., conducted in December 2025 with over 1,000 Canadian adults, paints a clear picture. Two-thirds of Canadians now back marijuana legalization, a three-point jump from 2024. This rise comes as the nation marks eight years since the Cannabis Act took effect in 2018, ending decades of prohibition.
Support varies by region, with Atlantic Canada leading the pack at higher approval rates. British Columbia and Quebec show solid numbers too, though they lag a bit in shifting users from black market sources to legal ones. Pollster Mario Canseco noted that this trend reflects growing comfort with regulated cannabis sales and use.
Younger adults, especially those aged 18 to 34, show even stronger enthusiasm, aligning with broader shifts in attitudes toward recreational substances. The poll also found that just 29 percent oppose the law, down four points, while 6 percent remain undecided. This shift suggests the policy has not only stuck but gained fans over time.
Experts point to successful implementation, like strict age limits and public education campaigns, as key factors. These efforts have helped ease early fears about increased youth use or crime spikes.
No Rush to Legalize Other Drugs
While cannabis enjoys broad approval, the poll highlights a stark contrast for harder substances. Only a small fraction of Canadians want to see drugs like ecstasy, cocaine, or heroin legalized. Support hovers around 9 to 14 percent for these, with most people firmly against it.
For instance, ecstasy garners 14 percent backing, while fentanyl and heroin sit at just 9 percent each. This reluctance stems from ongoing concerns about addiction, public health crises, and the opioid epidemic that has hit communities hard.
The survey breaks it down further:
- Ecstasy: 14% support
- Powder cocaine: 13% support
- Crack cocaine: 10% support
- Methamphetamine: 10% support
- Fentanyl: 9% support
- Heroin: 9% support
These low figures underscore a public divide. Many see cannabis as relatively low-risk compared to these others, thanks to its medical uses and cultural acceptance. Health officials echo this, noting no spike in youth cannabis use post-legalization, contrary to initial worries.
One key finding from related studies, like those from NORML, shows stable or even declining teen access to marijuana amid spreading legalization. This data, gathered through annual youth surveys, reassures parents and policymakers alike.
Impacts on Daily Life and Economy
Legalization has reshaped Canada’s landscape in practical ways. The marijuana industry now contributes significantly to the economy, with a majority of Canadians viewing it as an important sector. Polls from late 2025 indicate over half see it as a vital economic driver, matching nicotine use rates in some demographics.
Jobs in cultivation, retail, and research have boomed, creating thousands of positions. Tax revenues fund public services, from roads to health programs. Yet challenges persist, such as black market competition in provinces like B.C. and Quebec, where legal shifts are slower.
For everyday folks, access is easier and safer through licensed stores. Medical users benefit from quality controls, reducing risks from unregulated products. But critics argue prices remain high, pushing some back to illegal sources.
A deeper look reveals social changes too. Stigma around cannabis use has faded, leading to more open conversations in workplaces and families. This cultural shift promotes responsible use and education on effects.
| Region | Support for Cannabis Legalization (%) |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Canada | 70+ |
| British Columbia | 65 |
| Quebec | 62 |
| National Average | 65 |
This table highlights regional differences, based on the Research Co. findings. It shows how coastal areas embrace the change more readily.
Lessons from Eight Years In
Reflecting on the journey since 2018, experts highlight key successes. Youth cannabis use has not risen, as per federal health data from 2025, with students reporting harder access despite legal markets. This counters opponents’ fears and builds a case for evidence-based policy.
Political angles play in too. Support cuts across party lines, though conservatives show lower enthusiasm at around 55 percent nationally. As elections loom, this could influence platforms, with leaders weighing public sentiment.
Internationally, Canada’s model inspires others. Places like Indiana, where recent polls show 60 percent backing reform, look north for guidance. Yet the poll’s low support for other drugs signals caution, focusing future debates on cannabis refinements rather than broader expansions.
The data also touches on ethnic and age breakdowns. Younger and diverse groups buy more from legal sources, per a 2026 consumer survey, pointing to inclusive growth in the market.
In wrapping up this evolving story, Canada’s marijuana legalization stands as a win for public opinion, with 65 percent support marking a high point after eight years. This growth reflects a nation adapting to change, balancing freedom with safety, and it stirs hope for thoughtful drug policies ahead.
