Study Reveals Wide Accessibility as 60% of Canadian Neighborhoods within a 5-Minute Drive of Cannabis Dispensaries
A new research study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, sheds light on the accessibility of cannabis dispensaries in Canada, four years after the country legalized marijuana for adult use. According to the study, nearly six out of every ten neighborhoods in the country are conveniently located within a five-minute drive of a cannabis dispensary, highlighting the level of access available to consumers.
The collaborative effort, conducted by investigators from various universities and research institutes in Ottawa and Toronto, delved into longitudinal data regarding the status and location of “all legal cannabis stores in Canada.” The researchers found that as of October 2022, there were 3,305 retail locations operating, demonstrating the substantial growth of the legal cannabis market.
In analyzing the data, the researchers cross-referenced dispensary location data against “dissemination areas” defined by Statistics Canada. The study revealed that over the four-year period, only 7 percent of retail cannabis locations permanently closed, indicating the resilience and stability of the market.
Published in Drug and Alcohol Review, the study not only examined the proximity of cannabis dispensaries but also explored per capita stores, sales, closure rates, and overall consumer retail accessibility. The researchers found that over the course of the four years, per capita stores and per capita sales increased each year by an average of 122.3% and 91.7% respectively, with greater increases observed in the private sector compared to the public system.
The study emphasized the considerable variation in access across different Canadian markets. While the legal cannabis market expanded significantly nationwide, the level of accessibility differed between regions. This disparity highlights the need for further examination of local policies and regulations to ensure equitable access to cannabis products.
It is worth noting that prior to the launch of legal adult-use sales in late 2018, Statistics Canada estimated that approximately 90 percent of Canadians lived within 10km (or about 6 miles) of a liquor store. In comparison, at the time of cannabis legalization, only 35 percent of Canada’s population was projected to live within the same distance of a planned cannabis store. However, the study demonstrates that the accessibility of cannabis dispensaries has increased substantially over time.
Multiple studies have indicated positive outcomes associated with the presence of legal cannabis dispensaries in neighborhoods. For instance, a 2021 study from the University of New Mexico found that unemployment rates decreased in Colorado counties with dispensaries compared to those without. Additionally, a separate 2021 study discovered a correlation between higher storefront dispensary counts and reduced opioid-related death rates, particularly for synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Furthermore, a 2020 study examining crime rates in Colorado after the state’s legalization found a significant reduction in certain types of crimes, including property crime, larceny, and simple assault, in border counties near the Colorado region.
In conclusion, the recent study reveals the extensive accessibility of cannabis dispensaries in Canada, with approximately 60% of neighborhoods located within a five-minute drive of a dispensary. This data underscores the significant growth and acceptance of the legal cannabis market in the country, while also highlighting the need for ongoing research to ensure equitable access and understand the broader impacts of dispensaries on local communities.
