Cannabis Survey Results

On Monday (June 4th) the results of the 2018 cannabis survey were presented to council. 

The survey used multiple different methods of getting feedback from the public, including the Home & Lifestyle Show, Focus Groups, Telephone Survey, Web Survey and open house. 

In total, roughly 2,900 people were consulted on their opinions and beliefs when it came to the upcoming legalization of cannabis. The Survey focused on three main points as pertaining to our current bylaws, smoking bylaws, land use bylaws and business bylaws. 

When it came to the consumption of cannabis in public places many Adronians believed that there needs to be a public place for users to smoke cannabis but that it needs to be kept away from public gathering places and youth while being more restricted than tobacco. 

One surprising result from the survey was the overwhelming support for cannabis businesses within Airdrie, however many residents believe there needs to be a set distance that cannabis stores can be from schools, churches, seniors homes and other public gathering places. 

The overall concerns from the public seem to be in the proximity of cannabis stores to school and public places but the public is not very concerned as to the distance between cannabis stores and liquor or drug stores.

City Council was presented with three options as to how to move forward on the legislation. City Council can proceed with the first reading on July 3rd, mid-July or wait until August to do the first reading, each choice has benefits and potential consequences. 

City staff has recommended that Direct staff return with possible designated locations where cannabis could be consumed in public. They have also recommended that the city creates a minimum separation distance from schools, places youth gather, churches and seniors homes.