Where Do Cannabis Users Buy Cannabis From: New Frontier Data Study

In most areas of the United States where adult-use cannabis is legal, consumers primarily buy it from retail stores rather than dealers, according to new data released by New Frontier Data.

Two in five respondents said they mainly use cannabis products from retail outlets. This is in stark contrast to the six percent of consumers who said they mainly buy cannabis from a “dealer.”

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Cannabis from friends and family

Nearly a third of respondents indicated that they obtain cannabis from friends or family members. In states where adult sales are allowed, it is legal to gift cannabis to others without any compensation.

Nationally, 43 percent of current consumers said they obtained their cannabis from retailers, up from 34 percent a year earlier. The survey’s authors suggest that in many cases, residents of states where hemp is still illegal are traveling to neighboring states with legal access to purchase hemp products and returning home with them.

“These data indicate that the legal, regulated market is replacing the underground market,” commented NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “Over time, consumers are prioritizing convenience and relying on licensed vendors – who offer greater convenience, product quality, and safety.”

Data from Canada, which legalized retail sales in 2018, shows a similar trend, with the percentage of consumers reporting getting cannabis from licensed suppliers increasing year-on-year.

Why do cannabis users prefer to buy from licensed stores rather than dealers?

While the market is growing strongly, more and more consumers are turning to licensed vendors instead of traditional “dealers.” There are several key reasons that explain this shift in preference.

Safety and product quality

The first and most important reason is safety. Licensed stores are regulated by various government agencies that control the quality of the product. When buying from a licensed retailer, consumers are assured that the product they receive is not contaminated, safe and free of dangerous substances. On the other hand, cannabis bought from dealers is not regulated, which creates risks associated with potentially harmful additives.

Credibility and transparency

Licensed cannabis stores offer transparency for consumers that cannot be expected from unofficial dealers. At these stores, customers can receive detailed information about the product’s origin, THC content, CBD content, and even specific strains. This allows consumers to make informed decisions about what they buy and consume.

Potential economic benefits

The third point focuses on potential economic benefits. Legalizing cannabis could generate significant tax revenue that can be reinvested in the community in the form of education, infrastructure, and other public services.

Personal freedom is a key argument for legalizing cannabis

Personal freedom is a fundamental right that is often raised in the context of the cannabis legalization debate. Proponents of legalization argue that adults should have the full right to decide about their bodies, including what they put into them, as long as it does not harm others. Consider this in the context of cannabis legalization.

End Discrimination

Finally, the issue of personal freedom is also linked to the problem of discrimination. The criminalization of cannabis leads to social inequality, as some groups are punished more often than others for its possession or use. Legalizing cannabis could help end these unjust practices.

In conclusion, the arguments for legalizing cannabis focus on improved public safety, reduced criminal activity, economic benefits, potential health benefits, and basic personal freedoms. These arguments are important to consider in the context of the debate over the legalization versus the criminalization of cannabis.

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(Featured image by Wendy Wei via Pexels)

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