According to new survey data released on Wednesday, a large majority of Canadians think the federal government must take action to boost the cannabis industry in the country.
Abacus Data’s survey of Canadian adults found that 64% want the government make it easier to expand the legal cannabis market. Support for this idea is widespread, regardless of geography or demographics.
Commissioned by Organigram Global Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI), the poll comes as Canada approaches both a federal election and what many see as escalating economic tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
In Atlantic Canada, there is a strong regional support (65%), followed by the Prairies (64%), Ontario and British Columbia (61%). Even Canadians over 60, who are typically conservative on cannabis issues, support more liberal policies.
Organigram believes that Canadians have become more aware of cannabis’ economic importance. Organigram cites figures in its survey that indicate the cannabis industry will contribute $7.4 billion in GDP to Canada in 2024. This is a significant amount, exceeding traditional industries, such as forestry and brewing, each of which contributed $2.65 billion.
“Canadians want their country to thrive through innovative, homegrown industries – and cannabis is firmly on that list,” Organigram CEO Beena Goldenberg in a statement. “Canadians are clear that the next Canadian Prime Minister needs to remove obstacles and promote sectors which provide jobs, economic growth, and resilience.
Nine out of ten respondents said it was time to look for new opportunities to grow Canada’s economy. A similar number also believe Canada should move fast to take advantage of emerging business opportunities.
According to Deloitte, the data used in the press release shows that since legalization of cannabis in 2018, it has supported over 80,000 American jobs and contributed $43 billion in GDP.
A survey of 1,915 Canadians aged 18 and older was conducted from April 3-8 2025. The margin of errors is +/-2.24 %, 19 out of twenty times.