Jushi Holdings Inc. (CSE:JUSH, OTCQX:JUSHF) released the results of its inaugural “4/20 Cannabis Insights Poll,” which revealed that a majority of Americans entered the state-legalized market in the last 12 months, and now believe cannabis has an “overall positive impact” on society, economic growth, and jobs.
According to the Boca Raton, Florida-based vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, its “4/20 Cannabis Insights Poll” surveyed 1,100 cannabis and non-cannabis consumers in the US, who were 21 years or older.
The national poll, conducted by the independent market-research provider Pollfish, commissioned by Jushi and overseen by interaction designer and futurist Julian Scaff, who is the Associate Professor at ArtCenter College of Design, revealed that more than half of cannabis consumers tried “legal cannabis” for the first time in the last 12 months.
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The poll found that a majority believe cannabis has an overall positive impact on society, and the “creation of high-quality local and national jobs.” The survey also examined the top consumer product and cannabis consumption trends emerging in the sector.
“The results of our inaugural “4/20 Cannabis Insights Poll” are clear, consumer confidence in cannabis is growing, as more Americans enter the state-legalized market and are exposed to the benefits of state legalization,” Jushi founder CEO Jim Cacioppo said in a statement.
“With the majority of Americans now living in a state with a medical or adult-use program, misconceptions around cannabis are being shed. The latest data clearly shows more people are not only embracing cannabis in their own lives, but also seeing the value it brings to their communities,” he added.
Cacioppo noted that the poll shows views on the plant and legalization are trending in a “positive direction,” and this trajectory “will only strengthen in the coming years.”
Policies and Legalization
Majority supports pro-legalization politicians: When people identifying as Democrats (33.4%), Republicans (25.4%), independents (24.0%), no political affiliation (12.5%) and other (4.8%) were asked if they would support politicians who support cannabis legalization, 61.0% of them said they were more likely to support politicians who are pro-legalization.
Three in four support veterans’ access to medical cannabis: More than 76.1% of the survey respondents stated that the federal agency should update its rules to allow access to medical cannabis with a doctor’s prescription.
Vast majority supports equal access to banking: At least 67.6% of respondents said federal banking restrictions should be lifted so that American cannabis companies can have equal access to banking services.
Majority says cannabis is important for the economy: At least 62.6% of the respondents agreed that the cannabis industry is important for the local economy.
Cannabis creates high quality jobs: The cannabis industry creates high-quality jobs for Americans, said 56.6% of the respondents.
Overall Positive Impact on Society: At least 59% of the respondents said cannabis overall has a positive impact on society.
In addition, when cannabis consumers were quizzed on what is their primary reason for using cannabis, medical came in at 31.4%, followed by stress (22.4%), general wellness (17.5%), recreation (15.9%) and sleep (12.8%).
The survey captured other significant trends in consumer behavior related to cannabis consumption that can be read here.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter: @UttaraProactive