Newly released findings from British Columbia’s public consultation on cannabis lounges unsurprisingly confirm that recreational cannabis users are most likely to find the concept appealing. Even so, the majority of provincial residents who responded to a random telephone survey agreed that commercial space for cannabis consumption — in licensed single-purpose venues, incorporated into events and festivals or alongside other business activities — should be permitted.
British Columbians were asked for their views on the potential benefits and drawbacks of permitting on-site consumption of legally purchased cannabis. This would require revisions to current rules that allow licensed retailers to sell non-medical cannabis, but prohibit its use in commercial establishments.
“Cannabis consumption spaces were not considered at the time of legalization because the Province had a limited timeframe to prepare a regulatory framework in advance of the federal legalization date. As well, B.C. had taken a relatively permissive approach to allow cannabis use in public spaces (with some exceptions such as in parks, on school properties and in public buildings),” the summary of the survey results states. “Findings from the public engagement will help inform decisions on whether cannabis consumption spaces should be permitted and, if so, how they should be regulated.”
The consultation was launched in the spring of 2022 with a discussion paper, which also set out five proposed principles to underpin any new policy direction:
- prioritize public health and safety;
- encourage consumers to transition to regulated products;
- “start low and go slow”;
- collaborate with Indigenous peoples; and
- respect local control over land-use decisions.
While the associated online survey generated a far greater volume of responses than the telephone survey — 15,362 versus 730 — analysts with B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General caution that it is more vulnerable to self-selection, drawing those with a personal or vested interest in the issue, and possibly less reflective of general public opinion. As well, Ministry officials are considering 66 written submissions from a range of individuals, business organizations, social interest groups and municipalities.
Overall, 61 per cent of telephone survey respondents favoured commercial space for cannabis use compared to just 34 per cent of online survey respondents. Only 32 per cent of the telephone survey respondents who identified as non-users of cannabis were opposed to commercial consumption spaces.
That’s significantly divergent from opinions gleaned through the online survey, in which 91 per cent of non-users disagreed or strongly disagreed. In turn, 98 per cent of online respondents who identified as cannabis users supported the concept of commercial spaces, which was a stronger endorsement than the 84 per cent of cannabis-using telephone respondents who voiced approval.
Arguments in favour of commercial spaces highlight the potential to boost the hospitality sector, draw tourists and create jobs, while also helping to further erode the illegal cannabis market. Cannabis users also noted the social benefits of a venues where they could meet with others and simultaneously enjoy other forms of entertainment, which was also seen as a potential means to reduce stigma attached to the pastime. In addition, commercial spaces could be seen as a practical convenience for the sizable minority of survey respondents who reported that allowable restrictions imposed by municipalities, residential strata councils or landlords make it difficult to find a place to smoke or vape.
Meanwhile, others raised concerns about impairment and public safety hazards, odour, encouraging bad health habits and undermining neighbourhood character. Commercial spaces are also expected to come with a complicated burden for operators and staff who would be responsible for monitoring patrons’ impairment and more demands on municipal bylaw enforcement officers.
On the issue of offering alcohol and cannabis sales/consumption in the same venue, public health and safety organizations were generally opposed, citing the confluence of factors that could lead to over-consumption, However, organizations affiliated with the cannabis industry foresaw segregated cannabis spaces could struggle for business viability if forced to compete against alcohol-serving establishments.
For now, provincial officials have announced no decisions on future policy, but Brittny Anderson, a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) and Parliamentary Secretary for tourism, maintains the government is working to support the success of the cannabis industry. “With the recent introduction of a licence for farm-gate sales, understanding public opinion on cannabis-related hospitality and agri -tourism activities is a practical next step,” she says.
“Health and safety are our utmost priorities as we consider how provincial cannabis policies could evolve,” reiterates Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This report provides valuable insights into people in B.C.’s perspectives on cannabis and will help guide our work.”
