Prepared for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Supplier: Ekos Research Associates Inc.
Contract Number: 0D160-204960/001/CY
Contract Value: $76,188.60
Award Date: January 7, 2020
Delivery Date: February 24, 2020
Registration Number: POR 062-19
For more information on this report, please contact:
ps.communications-communications.sp@canada.ca
Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français
Public Opinion Research on Drug Impaired Driving
Survey Findings Report
Prepared for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Supplier name: Ekos Research Associates Inc.
Date: March 2020
This public opinion research report presents the results of an online survey conducted by Ekos Research Associates Inc. on behalf of Public safety Canada. The research study was conducted with 2,000 Canadians in January and February, 2020.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre Recherche sur l’opinion publique au sujet de la conduite avec les facultés affaiblies par la drogue.
This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Public Services and Procurement Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Public Services and Procurement Canada at: tpsgc.questions-questions.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca or at:
Communications Branch
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Portage III Tower A
16A1-11 Laurier Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0S5
Catalogue Number:
PS4-264/2020E-PDF
International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-35223-7
Related publications (registration number: POR 062-19):
Catalogue Number PS4-264/2020F-PDF (Final Report, French)
ISBN 978-0-660-35224-4
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, 2020
The safety and security of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada. Drug-impaired driving is a major contributor to fatal road crashes, and young people continue to be the largest group of drivers who die in crashes and test positive for drugs. To address this, Public Safety Canada developed a national marketing and multi-media advertising campaign in 2017 to inform Canadians, particularly youth aged 16 to 24, about the dangers and risks associated with drug-impaired driving. The campaign includes partnerships with key stakeholders (MADD, CAA, CACP, and Young Drivers of Canada), public communications and outreach, and paid media (advertising).
The purpose of the research is to examine current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to the dangers and risks, as well as legal implications of drug-impaired driving, compared with the initial baseline measured in 2017. A key focus is on youth and parents of youth, given that youth are the primary target audience for the campaign. Specifically, the research measures:
The results will help to guide future communications activities, and highlight changes that have occurred among the target group and broader Canadian public since the start of the campaign in 2017.
The survey is comprised of 2,024 completed cases, including 401 with youth who are 16 to 24, and 404 parents of youth (16 to 24). This randomly recruited probability sample carries with it a margin of error of +/-2.18%. The margin of error for each of the target groups is +/-4.9%. The sample source is an in-house Probit panel of randomly recruited Canadians. Ten percent of the sample was collected with cell phone only sample. Fifteen percent were collected by trained, bilingual interviewers, while the majority were collected through online self-administration. Appendix A presents further methodological details of the survey.
The large majority of Canadians (84%) know someone who has used cannabis and three in five (60%) have consumed cannabis at some point in their lives (both indicators are a slight increase of 81% and 56%, respectively, in 2017). Of respondents who reported cannabis use, nearly three in five (58%; a notable increase from 39% in 2017) reported they are a recent cannabis user, having consumed it within in the past 12 months.
Consistent with 2017 results, over one-quarter (26%) of cannabis users reported they have operated a vehicle while under the influence. Nearly one in three Canadians also report that they have ridden in a vehicle operated by a driver who was under the effects of cannabis.
More than one in three (38%) parents of children ages 13 to 24 reported that their child has used cannabis. Most parents (81%) said their 16 to 24 year old has not driven a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. Nearly six in ten, 58%, believe that their 13 to 24 year old has not accepted a ride with a driver under the influence of cannabis, although 33% are unsure. Eight in ten parents say they have had discussions with their 16 to 24 year old about driving high, although only 32% of young people 16 to 24 report the same.
Most Canadians perceive the detrimental impact of impairment on drivers, with an increasing understanding that cannabis affects one’s ability to drive. Nearly nine in ten (86%; an increase from 81% in 2017) agree that using cannabis impairs one's driving ability. Four in five say that cannabis impacts reaction time and ability to concentrate and nearly two in three (66%) say that cannabis makes the user a worse driver. Alcohol remains a greater concern, however, with 94% agreeing that drinking alcohol impairs driving. Nearly one in four (23%) continue to say that driving under the influence of cannabis is less dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
Half (49%) of Canadians perceive that the rate of driving while under the influence of cannabis has increased since legalization, and most are concerned (46%) or moderately concerned (29%) about others on the road who are driving under the influence of cannabis. The most pressing concerns over driving under the influence include hurting someone else (70%), generally getting into an accident (46%), or having a permanent criminal record (38%; an increase from 29% in 2017).
More than eight in ten Canadians (83%) believe it is not acceptable for people you know to drive high and only 6% say it is acceptable. On the other hand, Canadians are split on the variation in social acceptability of driving impaired compared with alcohol, with 42% saying it is more socially acceptable to drive under the influence of cannabis than alcohol and a further 10% saying they do not know.
Similar to 2017, over half of respondents reported that it is rare for people they know to drive under the influence, although 14% said it is common. Over one in three (37%) say they would be comfortable in reporting someone driving under the influence of cannabis to the police.
The incidence of searching for information on the effects of drugs on driving ability remains relatively low, with just three in ten respondents saying they have searched for this information. By a wide margin, health professionals are the most trusted source of information on the impacts of cannabis on driving ability, selected by more than half of respondents (58%), followed by law enforcement (30%).
Two in three Canadians are interested in learning more about the effects of cannabis on driving ability, followed by the length of time before it is safe to drive after using drugs. Canadians are also interested in learning about the effects of different forms of cannabis consumption (54%; not asked in 2017). Less than half (44%) would also like more information about how the police test for drugs or about the laws and penalties regarding driving while impaired (44%). Over one-third are interested in learning about their rights as a driver should they be pulled over.
Views on Legal Status and Implications
Nine in ten (91%) Canadians recognize that it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence, up from 83% in 2017. Four percent continue to believe it to be legal, but fewer Canadians are unsure (five percent) than in 2017 (11%).
Some Canadians are unsure about the amount of time a driver should wait before getting behind the wheel after consuming cannabis before it is safe to operate a vehicle. In fact, one-third said they "don’t know" (34%, although less than the 43% reported in 2017). A full 44% believe it requires three or more hours (up to a full night of sleep), which has increased from 31% found in 2017. Nonetheless, the same proportion as in 2017 still believe that less than three hours is needed (14%; 15% in 2017).
Numbers have risen in terms of Canadians’ awareness that police can detect impairment from cannabis among drivers stopped at the roadside. Nearly two in three (63%) believe that police are capable of determining whether a driver is impaired from cannabis, an increase from 45% in 2017.
Awareness of drug-impaired driving legal penalties is moderate with over one in four (27%) Canadians saying they are aware that penalties for driving while impaired from cannabis can include a fine, loss of licence, or imprisonment and criminal record. Another 32% say they are somewhat aware, although 40% report a lack of awareness. One in five (19%) Canadians feel they are aware of general laws around cannabis and the legal consequences of breaking those laws, and a further 36% report they are somewhat aware.
Two in three (65%) Canadians believe that impairment from cannabis and impairment from alcohol carry the same penalties, an increase from just under half (47%) in 2017. One-quarter say they do not know.
Less than half of Canadians (43%) believe that penalties are strict enough to prevent people from driving under the influence of cannabis, although this is higher among young people 16 to 24 (55%).
Detailed findings are presented in the sections that follow. Overall results are presented in the main portion of the narrative and are typically supported by graphic or tabular presentation of results. Bulleted text is also used to point out any statistically and substantively significant differences between sub-groups of respondents. If differences are not noted in the report, it can be assumed that they are either not statistically significant[1] in their variation from the overall result or that the difference was deemed to be substantively too small to be noteworthy. The programmed survey instrument can be found in Appendix A.
It should be noted that the survey asks a numbers of questions about behaviours that may have a tendency to exert social desirability pressure for respondents to underreport their use of cannabis as well as incidence of driving while impaired, for themselves and their teens/young adults[2]. The primary purpose of the survey is to provide a baseline against which future changes in awareness, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours can be subsequently measured.
Results for the proportion of respondents in the sample who either said "don’t know" or did not provide a response are not indicated in the graphic representation of the results in all cases, particularly where they are not sizable (e.g., ten% or greater). Results may also not total to 100% due to rounding.
The contract value for the POR project is $76,188.60 (including HST).
Supplier Name: Ekos Research Associates
PWGSC Contract Number: 0D160-204960/001/CY
Contract Award Date: January 7, 2020
To obtain more information on this study, please e-mail at:
ps.communications-communications.sp@canada.ca
I hereby certify as Senior Officer of Ekos Research Associates Inc. that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada and Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.
Signed by:
Susan Galley (Vice President)
Cannabis Use within Social Networks
A strong majority of Canadians know someone who has used cannabis, which is consistent with 2017 findings. More than eight in ten (84%; 81% in 2017) said that someone close to them has consumed cannabis at some point in their lives. Just 11% do not believe they are closely acquainted with a cannabis user and five percent are uncertain.
Q11: This following section is about cannabis use. Use includes smoking, inhaling, eating or applying products that contain cannabis, also called pot, weed or marijuana.
"As far as you know, have people close to you (e.g., friends or family) ever used cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 84% 81%
No 11% 12%
Don't know 5% 6%
When asked about personal use, three in five Canadians (60%) reported they have consumed cannabis at some point in their lives, up marginally from 56% in 2017.
Q12: "Have you ever used cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 60% 56%
No 39% 42%
No response 1% 2%
Of those who reported cannabis use, 58% indicated they have used cannabis within in the past 12 months, which is a sizable increase from 39% saying the same in 2017 findings. Crossing overall use with recent use, results indicate that 35% of Canadians have used cannabis in the last 12 months, up 13% from 2017. It is interesting to note, however, that the increase is largely in past cannabis users becoming recent users (last 12 months) since there is not a significant increase in those who have ever tried it, although up from 56% to 60%.
Q13: "Have you used cannabis in the past 12 months?"
Base: n=1208 (ever used cannabis)
2020 2017
Total: (ever used cannabis) 1208 1205
Yes 58% 39%
No 41% 61%
In a new question in 2020, one-third (31%) of Canadians who have used cannabis in the past 12 months said they typically acquire it from a legal storefront. Fewer than one in five said they buy from a legal online source (17%) or from a friend (15%). Fewer than one in ten reported obtaining cannabis through shared experiences with friends (eight percent), a dealer (six percent), their own plants (six percent), family members (five percent) or an acquaintance (three percent). Only three percent of respondents said they obtained cannabis from either an illegal storefront or an illegal online source.
Q13b: "You indicated earlier that you have used cannabis in the last 12 months. From whom did you usually buy or receive the cannabis?"
Base: n= 685
Total: 685
From a legal storefront 31%
From a legal online source 17%
From a friend 15%
It was shared around a group of friends 8%
From a dealer 6%
I grew my own 6%
From a family member 5%
From an illegal storefront 3%
From an illegal online source 3%
From an acquaintance 3%
Other 3%
Only items with 2% or more shown in chart
The consideration that is most likely to influence the decision of where to obtain cannabis, according to 38% of respondents, is quality and safety of the product. Fewer than one in five (15%) reported pricing to be a main driver, and a similar number (13%) base their decision on the legality of the source. About one in ten are driven by convenience (nine percent) and the availability of specifics products such as edibles (seven percent).
Q13c: "Which factor most influences from whom you usually buy or receive the cannabis you use?"
Base: n=685
2020
Total: 685
Quality/safe supply 38%
Price 15%
Ability to purchase from a legal source 13%
Convenience 9%
Availability of specific product type 7%
Access to a specific strain/variety 4%
Infrequent use/with friends 3%
Proximity to storefront 2%
Anonymity/privacy 2%
Other reason 2%
DK/NR 5%
Previous cannabis users (at any point in the past) were asked about operating a vehicle under its influence. Consistent with 2017 findings, 26% of respondents said they have operated a vehicle while under the influence.
Q16: "Have you ever driven or operated a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=1208 (ever used cannabis)
2020 2017
Total: (ever used cannabis) 1208 1205
Yes 26% 28%
No 73% 71%
No response 1% 1%
Among those who have operated a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis, most said they did not recognize their behaviour as risky, with two in five (39%) reporting they did not feel impaired and one in five (22%) believing they could (still) drive carefully. Fewer than one in ten said they did not have far to travel (9%), did not know better at the time (7%), or had no alternative transportation (6%).
Q17: "What was behind your decision?"
Base: n=341 (driven impaired)
2020
Total: (driven impaired) 341
I did not feel impaired 39%
I thought I could drive carefully 22%
I did not have to drive very far 9%
Young, did not know better 7%
I did not have alternative transportation 6%
Enough time had passed, waited until I felt comfortable 4%
I did not believe I would be caught by law enforcement/the police 1%
Other 11%
DK/NR 2%
When asked about riding as a passenger with a driver under the influence of cannabis, 30% said they have, which is roughly on par with 33% in 2017.
Q19: "Have you ever been a passenger in a vehicle when the driver was under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 30% 33%
No 58% 57%
Don't know 12% 10%
More than one in three (38%) parents of young people 13 to 24 indicated their child has used cannabis, up from 34% in 2017. Compared with the self-reported use by youth aged 16-19 (44%), parents of 16 to 19 year old children have a reasonably good assessment of cannabis use by their children (38% reported by this segment of parents). For youth aged 20-24, 70% self-reported cannabis use; however, 50% of parents of those 20 to 24 reported cannabis use by their child suggesting parents are considerably less aware of use by their young adult children.
Q26: "As far as you know, has your teenager ever used cannabis?"
Base: n=469 (parents)
2020 2017
Total: (parents) 469 513
Yes 38% 34%
No 54% 56%
Don't know 8% 9%
As in 2017, very few parents of young people 16 to 24 (6%) believe their child has ever driven a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis. Eight in ten (81%) believe their child has never operated a vehicle under the influence of cannabis, although 12% are unsure.
Q27: "As far as you know, has your teenager ever driven a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=405 (parents)
2020 2017
Total: (parents) 405 416
Yes 6% 4%
No 81% 85%
Don't know 12% 11%
In terms of accepting a ride from a driver who was under the influence of cannabis, parents of 13 to 24 year old children expressed much greater uncertainty (33% said they are unsure). Only eight percent reported that their child has ridden as a passenger with an impaired driver, although 33% of youth reported the same (higher among those ages 20-24 at 41%). The pattern was similar in 2017.
2020 2017
Total: (parents) 469 513
Yes 8% 10%
No 58% 55%
Don't know 33% 34%
Q28: "As far as you know has your teenager ever accepted a ride with a driver who was under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=469 (parents)
Discussions between Parents and Youth
Survey results highlight a large discrepancy between how parents and youth recall discussing driving while under the influence of cannabis. One-third of young people 16 to 24 (32%) report having discussed this matter with their parents, this is an increase from 2017 (25%). In a sharp contrast, however, eight in ten parents of young people 16 to 24 (80%) report they have had this discussion with their children, up slightly from 74% in 2017.
Q29: "Have you discussed driving while under the influence of cannabis with your son or daughter?"
Base: n=405 (parents)
2020 2017
Total: (parents) 405 416
Yes 80% 74%
No 19% 25%
Don’t know 1% 1%
The main topics discussed, according to roughly one in four parents are the effects on driving ability (27%) and the general dangers associated with driving under the influence of cannabis (27%, up from 15% in 2017), as well as the legal consequences of driving while impaired (22%, up from 12% in 2017) , or simply instructed their children ‘not to do it’ (22%, up slightly from 18% in 2017). Fewer than one in five discussed the parallels with driving of cannabis and alcohol (13%, down from 21% in 2017), or strategies to avoid these situations (13%). Other topics include, for example, not accepting rides from impaired drivers (12%), the dangers and risks to oneself and others (9%).
| Total | 2020 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Q30. What have you discussed? | 310 | 295 |
| The effects on driving ability | 27% | 28% |
| Dangers/risks | 27% | 15% |
| The legal consequences | 22% | 12% |
| Not to do it | 22% | 18% |
| Parallels/comparisons with drinking alcohol and driving | 13% | 21% |
| Solutions or alternatives (i.e., back up plan) to avoid these situations | 13% | 11% |
| Not accepting a ride from someone who is under the influence | 12% | 12% |
| Dangers/risks to yourself and others, can kill/hurt someone, get into accidents | 9% | 14% |
| Harms/risks/effects of consuming drugs in general, social/life consequences, importance of not doing drugs/staying away from them | 6% | 11% |
| Should not drive on any drugs/not just cannabis, effects of any drugs on driving ability | 3% | 5% |
| Peer pressure or situations of not driving or accepting a ride | 0% | 1% |
| Other | 5% | 7% |
| No response | 10% | 14% |
Perceptions of Impairment from Alcohol and Cannabis Use on Drivers
According to results, Canadians have very little doubt that alcohol impairs one's driving skills. As in 2017, more than nine in ten respondents (94%; as in 2017) agree that alcohol impedes driving ability, and only five percent disagree. Survey results also highlight broad recognition of the impacts of cannabis on drivers. Nearly nine in ten (86%) agree that using cannabis impairs one's driving ability, which is higher than the 81% who agreed in 2017.
Q2b/a: "To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Disagree (1-2) 5%
Neither (3) 1%
Agree (4-5) 94% 94%
Using cannabis impairs one's ability to drive or operate a vehicle.
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Disagree (1-2) 9%
Neither (3) 4%
Agree (4-5) 86% 81%
DK/NR 1%
Respondents were also asked to select – from a prompted list – the ways in which they believe cannabis consumption affects driving ability. Results show an increasing awareness of the effects of cannabis on driving. Eight in ten (80% compared to 74% in 2017) believe that cannabis reduces reaction time and ability to concentrate and nearly two in three (66%; an increase from 57% in 2017) also said that cannabis makes the user a worse driver. There remain some individuals who perceive that cannabis makes the user a more careful driver (seven percent, a marginal decrease from nine percent in 2017) and two percent say cannabis consumption has no discernible impact on driving ability (two percent in 2017).
Q4: "From what you know, in what way(s) does cannabis affect driving ability?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Reduces reaction time and ability to concentrate 80% 74%
Makes you a worse driver 66% 57%
Makes you a more careful driver 7% 9%
Does not change ability at all 2% 3%
Impairs perception/judgment 2% 2%
Other 3% --
Don't know 6% 8%
When asked whether cannabis consumption is less dangerous than alcohol on one's driving ability, two-thirds (66%) said they do not believe this to be the case. This is an increase from 62% in 2017, although a similar proportion as in 2017 (23%; 25% in 2017) still believe this to be true, and another 10% are unsure.
Q3a: "Please indicate if the statement: driving under the influence of cannabis is less dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol is true or false from what you know."
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
True 23% 25%
False 66% 62%
Don't know/No response 10% 13%
Seven in ten Canadians (70% compared to 65% in 2017) agree that cannabis users often fail to realize that they are impaired from using cannabis, although 16% disagree and further seven percent neither agree nor disagree.
Q2d: "To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: People often don't realize that they are impaired from using cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Disagree (1-2) 16% 20%
Neither (3) 6% 8%
Agree (4-5) 70% 65%
Don't know/No response 8% 7%
A moderately high proportion of Canadians believe that it is not always easy to tell whether a cannabis user is too high to drive. Two in three (66%, a notable increase from 59% in 2017) believe it is not easy to tell, but more than one in five (22%), feel that an impaired potential driver can be easily identified (down from 27% in 2017).
Q3c: "Please indicate if the statement: it is very obvious and easy to see if someone is too high to drive is true or false from what you know."
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
True 22% 27%
False 66% 59%
Don't know/No response 11% 15%
Not asked in 2017, three in four (75%) Canadians believe that driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol together is more dangerous than driving under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol alone. Fewer than one in five (16%) feel this is false, and a further nine percent are unsure.
Q3d: "Please indicate if the statement: Driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol together is more dangerous than driving under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol alone is true or false from what you know."
Base: n=2024
2020
Total: 2024
True 75%
False 16%
Don’t know/no response 9%
Also new in 2020, three in five (59%) Canadians believe that different forms of cannabis consumption, such as smoking or edibles, can affect driving differently. One in five (21%) believe this is not the case, while a similar proportion (19%) are unsure.
Q3f: "Please indicate if the statement: Different forms of cannabis consumption (i.e., smoking, edibles, etc.) can affect driving differently is true or false from what you know."
Base: n=2024
2020
Total: 2024
True 59%
False 21%
Don’t know/no response 19%
Respondents were asked about their top three concerns when it comes to driver safety. While distracted driving emerged as the single largest concern (75%), this is followed by impaired driving from either alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs (63%), and aggressive driving (61%). Concerns related to impaired driving are somewhat less pervasive than they were in 2017 (compared with 67% in 2017), but not as much as the reduction in concern for distracted driving (down from 84% in 2017).
In the administration of the survey one-third of respondents were shown "driving while under the influence of alcohol", one-third were shown "driving while under the influence of cannabis" and one-third were shown the response using "prescription drugs". Results reveal that impairment from alcohol is still a far greater concern for most Canadians (with 74% placing this as a top three concern), followed by impairment from cannabis (44%) and prescription drugs (42%). In fact, when shown impairment from cannabis use in the list, aggressive driving becomes a much more likely second choice for concern (65%). These results have changed only marginally since 2017, following the same pattern.
Q1xTotal: "What are your top three concerns when it comes to road safety?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Distracted driving 75% 84%
Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or prescription drugs 63% 67%
Aggressive driving 61% 63%
Non-licensed or underage driving 15% 13%
Incompetent driving 4% 4%
Other 6% 2%
Only items with 2% or more are shown in chart.
Perceived Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Incidence of Impaired Driving
In a new question added in 2020, Canadians highlighted their belief that cannabis-impaired driving is on the rise since recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada. In fact, half (49%) feel the incidence of driving while impaired from cannabis has increased (20% said a large increase and 29% said a "little" increase). Another 33% feel that the incidence remains the same as it was prior to legalization, however, virtually no one believes the rate has decreased.
Q5: "Since recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada, do you think that the rate of driving while under the influence of cannabis has decreased, increased or stayed the same?"
Base: n=2024
2020
Total: 2024
Decreased (1-2) 2%
Same (3) 33%
Increased (4-5) 49%
Don’t know/no response 15%
In terms of concern about others on the road who are driving under the influence of cannabis, most report at least a moderate concern. Just under half (46%) indicated they are concerned or even very concerned, and another 29% said they are moderately concerned. Only one in four (25%) rated themselves as not very or not at all concerned.
Q6: "How concerned are you about others on the road who are driving under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not concerned (1-2) 25% 22%
Moderately concerned (3) 29% 24%
Concerned (4-5) 46% 53%
Don't know/ No response 1% 2%
When asked about their biggest concern if driving while under the influence of cannabis, hurting, paralyzing, or killing someone else was seen as the key concern, according to 70% of respondents. In a second tier of concern, 43% pointed to personally getting hurt, paralyzed or killed in an accident, and just generally getting into an accident is also a concern for almost half of respondents (46%). Although less of a concern than these top three, fully 38% said that having a permanent criminal record, possibly affecting employment or international travel is a concern, which is a considerable increase from 2017 at 29%. Another 22% pointed to getting caught by police as a concern, also an increase from 14% in 2017. Other concerns are limited including significantly increased insurance premiums, family or peer judgement, or damage to property.
Respondents were shown the list with getting hurt, paralyzed or killed in separate categories, with "getting killed" selected most often of the three (21%), followed by "getting hurt" (19%), and then "becoming paralyzed" (15%). Multiple responses were accepted, allowing respondents to select each of these in unison, if desired.
Q15: "What would be your biggest concern with driving while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024, *because of respondents’ ability to select more than one response, overall % in not additive.
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Hurting, paralyzing or killing someone else 70% 73%
Getting into an accident 46% 48%
Having a permanent criminal record, possibly affecting employment or international travel 38% 29%
Getting caught by police 22% 14%
Getting killed in an accident 21% )
Getting hurt in an accident 19% ) 43%* 50%
Becoming paralyzed from an accident 15% )
Having significantly increased insurance premiums 7% 6%
Family or peer judgment 4% 4%
2020 2017
Damage to property 3% 5%
No concerns 2% 2%
Don't know/ No response 5% 6%
Only items with 2% or more are shown in chart.
* Because of respondents’ ability to select more than one response, overall % in not additive.
When asked how likely they would be to accept a ride from someone they knew was under the influence of cannabis, more than eight in ten (82%) said they would not, which is a slight increase from 78% in 2017. Nine percent said they would be likely to do so and a further eight percent indicated a moderate likelihood, which is similar to results found in 2017.
Q20: "How likely would you be to accept a ride from someone who you knew was under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not likely (1-2) 82% 78%
Somewhat likely (3) 8% 9%
Likely (4-5) 9% 11%
Don't know 1% 2%
Concerns as a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was under the influence of cannabis were also explored. As in 2017, the top concern is getting hurt, becoming paralyzed or getting killed in an accident (85%). Although still a key concern, fewer are worried about hurting, paralyzing, or killing someone else (55%). Again, as a passenger, getting caught by police (12%), or having a permanent record (10%) are of considerably less concern. Only five percent of respondents said they would be worried about damage to property and three percent indicated family or peer judgement. Results are generally very similar with those found in 2017.
As with the question related to being the driver, getting killed, hurt and becoming paralyzed were shown separately. As a passenger, results reveal significantly greater concern for getting hurt (68%) or killed (49%), whereas fewer are worried about becoming paralyzed (36%).
Q21: "If you were a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was under the influence of cannabis, what concerns, if any, would you have?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Getting hurt, getting killed, becoming paralyzed 85% 83%
Hurting, paralyzing or killing someone else 55% 57%
Getting caught by police 12% 10%
Having a permanent criminal record 10% 10%
Damage to property 5% 4%
Family or peer judgment 3% 4%
No concerns 5% 5%
Other 3% 1%
Only items with 2% or more are shown in chart.
In terms of how acceptable it is for people they know to drive while under the influence of cannabis, a clear majority (83%) said they do not see it as acceptable, which is an increase from 79% in 2017. Only 10% see it as moderately acceptable and another six percent believe it is acceptable.
Q14: "How acceptable is it for people you know to drive while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not acceptable (1-2) 83% 79%
Moderately acceptable (3) 10% 12%
Acceptable (4-5) 6% 7%
No response 2% 3%
Results nonetheless highlight a split in perception about the relative social acceptability of driving while under the influence of cannabis compared with alcohol. Although half (48%) do not believe this to be true, 42% said they believe that it is more socially acceptable than driving with alcohol-induced impairment, and another 10% were unsure. These results mirror closely the findings in 2017.
Q3b: "Please indicate if the statement: Driving while under the influence of cannabis is more socially acceptable than driving under the influence of alcohol is true or false from what you know."
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
True 42% 40%
False 48% 50%
Don't know/ No response 10% 10%
Perceived Prevalence of Cannabis-impaired Driving
When asked how common it is for people they know (e.g., friends, family, work colleagues) to drive under the influence of cannabis, just over half of respondents (53%) indicated they believe this is to be a rare occurrence. This is an increase from 49% in 2017. Nonetheless, 14% said it is common, and the same proportion (13%) believe it to be moderately common.
Q18: "As far as you know, how common is it for people you know (e.g., friends, family, work colleagues) to drive while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not common (1-2) 53% 49%
Moderately (3) 13% 15%
Common (4-5) 14% 15%
Don't know 19% 21%
When asked about their comfort level in trying to stop a friend or family member from driving if they thought that they were impaired after using cannabis, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would be comfortable doing so, as was also the case in 2017. Twelve percent, however, said they would not be comfortable and 15% said they would be only moderately comfortable, as was also the case in 2017.
Q22: "How comfortable would you be trying to stop a friend or family member from driving if you thought that they were impaired after using cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not comfortable (1-2) 12% 11%
Moderately comfortable (3) 15% 15%
Comfortable (4-5) 72% 70%
Don't know/No response 1% 3%
Also reflecting the results from 2017, 74% said they would be comfortable in trying to stop a friend or family member from accepting a ride from a driver who they thought was impaired after using cannabis. Another 15%, however, said they would be only moderately comfortable, and nine percent said they would not be comfortable.
Q23: "How comfortable would you be trying to stop a friend or family member from accepting a ride from a driver who you thought was impaired after using cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not comfortable (1-2) 9% 9%
Moderately comfortable (3) 15% 14%
Comfortable (4-5) 74% 74%
Don't know/No response 1% 2%
Canadians are decidedly less comfortable in reporting to the police if they are aware of someone driving impaired after using cannabis. Although 37% said they would be comfortable, a similar proportion (39%) said they would not be, and 19% rated themselves in the middle, as was also the case in 2017.
Q24: "How comfortable would you be in reporting to the police, if you knew that someone was driving impaired after using cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Not comfortable (1-2) 39% 37%
Moderately comfortable (3) 19% 20%
Comfortable (4-5) 37% 37%
Don't know/No response 5% 6%
The incidence of searching for information on the effects of drugs on driving ability is moderate, which is consistent with 2017 results. Nearly three in ten respondents (29%) indicated they have searched for information, although over two-thirds (70%, a slight increase from 66% in 2017) have not.
Q7: "Have you ever looked for information on the effects of drugs on driving ability?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 29% 31%
No 70% 66%
DK/NR 2% 2%
When asked about preferred sources for information on the impacts of drugs on driving ability, health professionals remain the most trusted source by a wide margin, selected by more than half of respondents (58%, 57% in 2017). Three in ten (30%) indicated law enforcement as a preferred source, which is similar if marginally decreased from 32% in 2017. One in seven (16%) would consult with a friend, and one in ten (10%) would turn to a teacher, counsellor, or social worker. Other sources were selected much less frequently.
Q8: "If you were to speak with someone to get information on the effects of drugs on driving ability, who would you be most likely to speak with?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Doctors/health professional/nurse/hospital/health clinic 58% 57%
Law enforcement 30% 32%
Friend 16% 15%
Teachers/counsellors/social worker 10% 12%
Other family 7% 8%
Your parents 4% 5%
Other 4% 3%
Don't know 8% 9%
No response 3% 2%
Only items with 3% or more are shown in chart.
Respondents were also asked to specify which online sources they would consult for information about the effects of drugs on driving ability. Two-fifths (42%, a decrease of five percentage points from 2017) cited the Internet in general, with no mention of a specific organization. The most frequently cited specific source, however, is a Government of Canada website, according to 38%[3], an increase from 31% in 2017. Nearly one in four said they would turn to a police organization (24%), the Canadian Automobile Association (23%, down six percent from 2017), or a not-for-profit group such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (23%). One in five pointed to a website maintained by their provincial or municipal government (20%, an increase from 17% in 2017).
Q9: "If you were to look for information online on the effects of drugs on driving ability, where would you most likely look for reliable information?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Online/the internet generally 42% 46%
Government of Canada website 38% 31%
Police organizations 24% 25%
Not-for-profit groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada 23% 23%
Driving associations such as the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or driving training/schools 23% 27%
Provincial/Municipal/local government website 20% 17%
Cannabis industry/community 12% 12%
2020 2017
Legal community 10% 12%
Other 4% 2%
Don't know 7% 5%
Only items with 4% or more are shown in chart.
Respondents were similarly asked to identify the types of information they would want to know about the effects and risks of drug use on driving ability. Two-thirds (66%, a decrease from 74% in 2017) indicated an interest in learning more about the effects of cannabis on driving ability, or the length of time before it is safe to drive after using drugs (62%). Over half of respondents (54%) want to know the effects of different forms of cannabis (not included in the list shown in 2017). Just under half (44%; down from 56% in 2017) would like more information about how the police test for drugs and a similar number (44%; down from 50%) want to learn more about the laws and penalties regarding driving while impaired. Nearly two-fifths (38%; up from 34% in 2017) are interested in learning about their rights as a driver should they be pulled over, while one in five (19%) would like advice on how to talk with family members about drug use.
Q10: "What information, if any, would you want to know about the risks and effects of driving after using drugs?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Effects of cannabis on driving ability 66% 74%
Length of time before it is safe to drive after using drugs 62% 64%
Effects of different forms of cannabis consumption 54% 33%
How the police tests for drugs usage 44% 56%
The law and penalties of driving after using drugs 44% 50%
My rights as a driver if pulled over 38% 34%
How to talk with your youth/parents/teens about drugs 19% 21%
I have no interest/need for information 11% 8%
Only items with 3% or more are shown in chart.
As in 2017, respondents were asked whether they feel they have enough trustworthy information about the effects of drugs on driving ability in order to make informed decisions about risk. Half of respondents in the survey sample were asked generically about "information", while the other half were asked about "Canadian information" specifically.
Based on results, Canadians feel more informed in terms of availability of trustworthy information to make decisions than they did when surveyed in 2017. Half of respondents (50%) said they have enough information to make informed decision, an increase from 42% in 2017. Similar to 2017 findings, another third (33%) feel they have moderate access to information. One in ten (11%) do not feel they have sufficient information at their disposal, a decrease from 20% in 2017.
Canadians are similarly positive about the availability of Canadian information (i.e., from a Canadians content). Just under half (45%) said Canadian information is available, compared with 32% in 2017. One-third (31%, a slight decrease from 35% in 2017) indicated moderate availability, and fewer than one in five (15%, down from 23% in 2017) said that information is limited.
Q10a/b: "To what extent would you say that you have enough trustworthy information/Canadian information to make informed decisions about the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs, including cannabis?"
Base: n= 1031/993
Information:
2020 2017
Total: 1031 1086
Not at all (1-2) 11% 20%
Moderately (3) 33% 32%
Completely (4-5) 50% 42%
DK/NR 5% 6%
Canadian Information:
2020 2017
Total: 993 1046
Not at all (1-2) 15% 23%
Moderately (3) 31% 35%
Completely (4-5) 45% 32%
DK/NR 9% 9%
Familiarity with Current Legal Status
Canadians are generally aware that driving while under the influence of cannabis is not legal. Over nine in ten (91% compared to 83% in 2017) recognize that it is currently illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence, however, one in twenty (five percent) still believe it to be legal and another five percent are uncertain.
Q31: "As far as you know, is it currently legal to drive while under the influence of cannabis in Canada?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 3% 5%
No 91% 83%
Don't know 5% 5%
Based on results of the survey, Canadians are very unsure about the amount of time a driver should wait before getting behind the wheel after consuming cannabis before it is safe to operate a vehicle. In fact, more than one in three (34%) said they are uncertain. One in four (25%, compared to 18% in 2017) believe a user should wait three hours or more and slightly less (18%, an increase from 13% in 2017) feel it is best to drive only after a night of sleep. Although few believe that one to two hours (three percent) or two to three hours (eight percent) is sufficient.
Q33: "As far as you know, how long after using cannabis is it safe to drive a vehicle?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
At least three or more hours afterward 25% 18%
After a night of sleep 19% 13%
Between 2 to 3 hours 8% 7%
Depends on many factors 4% 4%
Between 1 and 2 hours 3% 5%
Whenever the person feels like the effect is gone 3% 3%
Don't know 34% 43%
Only items with 2% or more are shown in chart.
Results suggest an increasing awareness among Canadians about whether police can detect impairment from cannabis among drivers who are stopped at the roadside. In 2017, 45% of Canadians felt that police can detect impairment; this has increased to 63% in 2020. Over one in ten (14%) still believe police can not detect impairment at the roadside. The proportion of those unsure has also decreased, with 23% indicating they do not know, compared to 31% in 2017.
Q34: "As far as you know, can the police detect impairment from cannabis, among drivers who are stopped at the roadside?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 63% 45%
No 14% 24%
Don't know 23% 31%
The minority of Canadians feel they are aware of the laws around cannabis and the legal consequences of breaking cannabis laws. One in five (19%) are aware that an individual may face monetary fines or jail terms for breaking Canadian cannabis laws, while 43% say they are not aware and 36% are only somewhat aware.
Q39: "Currently, an individual may face monetary fines or jail terms for breaking Canadian cannabis laws. How aware would you say you are of the laws around cannabis, and the legal consequences of breaking cannabis laws?"
Base: n=2024
2020
Total: 2024
Not aware (1-2) 43%
Somewhat (3) 36%
Aware (4-5) 19%
Respondents were informed that penalties for driving while impaired from cannabis can include a $1000 fine, loss of licence for 12 months, and up to 18 months' imprisonment and criminal record, with greater consequences if an accident results in harm. Over one-quarter (27%) of Canadians are aware of these penalties, while two in five (40%) are not aware and one-quarter (32%) are only somewhat aware.
Q36a: Currently, drug impaired driving carries a $1,000 dollar fine and loss of license for 12 months. It may also include jail time of up to 18 months, as well as a permanent criminal record. Where an accident results in harm or death the sentence can be up to 10 years in prison.
"How aware were you of the legal consequences of drug-impaired driving before now?"
Base: n=2024
2020
Total: 2024
Not aware (1-2) 40%
Somewhat (3) 32%
Aware (4-5) 27%
When asked whether they believe the penalties associated with driving while impaired from cannabis are greater, lesser, or equivalent to those associated with driving while impaired from alcohol, the majority of Canadians believe that impairment from cannabis and impairment from alcohol carry the same penalties (65% believe penalties are the same, a sizable increase from 47% in 2017). Less than one in ten (six percent compared to 12% in 2017), however, believe that the penalties associated with cannabis are less strict that those regarding alcohol, and another four percent believe cannabis impairment carries greater consequences. A notable portion of Canadians are again unsure (25%, although a notable decrease from 35% in 2017).
Q35: "Are the penalties for driving while impaired from cannabis less strict, the same, or more strict than they are for impairment from alcohol?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Less strict than alcohol 6% 12%
The same as alcohol 65% 47%
More strict than alcohol 4% 6%
Don't know 25% 35%
Perception of Effectiveness of Penalties
Fewer than half of Canadians (43%) feel that penalties are strict enough to prevent people from driving while under the influence of cannabis. Over one-third (36%) feel they are not strict enough, and one in five (20%) are unsure.
Q36: "Do you think that these penalties are strict enough to prevent people from driving while under the influence of cannabis?"
Base: n=2024
2020 2017
Total: 2024 2132
Yes 43% 55%
No 36% 33%
Don't know 20% 11%
The survey sample was drawn from our randomly recruited panel Probit. Probit panellists were selected using a random-digit dial (RDD) landline-cell phone hybrid sample frame. This is the same sample frame and sampling process used to conduct telephone surveys, which are considered to be representative of the population[4]. Once selected, they are contacted and recruited by telephone and asked to complete a basic profile (i.e. base survey instrument) including a range of demographic information about themselves. They are also asked if they would prefer to complete surveys online or by telephone. All sample members are eligible to participate, including those with cell phones only, those with no Internet access and those who simply prefer to respond by telephone rather than online. This panel represents a fully representative sample of Canadians, from which we can draw random samples and collect data in a more cost conscious and timely manner than would otherwise be possible in a traditional telephone survey. This panel of more than 100,000 individuals can be considered representative of the general public in Canada (meaning that the incidence of a given target population within our panel very closely resembles the public at large) and margins of error can be applied.
Prior to conducting the survey, the instrument was tested with 12 cases in English and 19 cases in French. Additional questions were placed on the pretest version of the questionnaire asking about length, flow, clarity of wording and so on to elicit feedback from respondents. Minimal changes were made as a result of the testing, although a few questions were removed in order to stay within the intended survey length.
The survey was administered between January 21 and February 17, 2020, using a bilingual questionnaire, installed on a secure web-server controlled by Ekos. The email invitation included a description and purpose of the survey (in both languages) along with a link to the survey website. The survey database was mounted using a Personalized Identification Number (PIN), so only individuals with a PIN were allowed access to the survey (the PIN was included in the email invitation). The questionnaire was prefaced with a brief introduction to the study and rationale for the research. The voluntary and confidential nature of the survey was also emphasized. Survey data collection adhered to all applicable industry standards. All invited panel members were informed of their rights under current Privacy legislation, as well as how to obtain a copy of their response and results of the survey.
In this survey, a sample of 13,889 was drawn from the online only portion of the Probit panel, although over 6,800 were sent in an effort to target young people 16 to 24.
Another 1,002 panel sample members were contacted by telephone. This is a typical participation rate for this kind of survey. The response rate was 24% among those 25 years of age or older, and 12%[5] among young people 16 to 24. The average length of the interview was 17 minutes.
Respondents were informed in the invitation that all responses are completely confidential and no responses will be linked to individual names.
The database was reviewed following data collection for data quality, outliers, coding requirements, weighting and construction of independent variables, and was used to explore sub-group patterns (e.g., by age, gender and so on) in the analysis. Weighting of the sample was based on population parameters according to the latest Census on age, gender and region of the country.
The following table presents a sample profile for the baseline survey. This includes demographic characteristics related to employment, education, income, cultural attributes, language, age and region. Each is presented for the full sample of 2,132 Canadians.
| Total | 2020 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Age (unweighted) | 2024 | 2132 |
| <25 | 21% | 20% |
| 25-34 | 6% | 10% |
| 35-44 | 16% | 14% |
| 45-54 | 18% | 24% |
| 55-64 | 17% | 18% |
| 65 + | 21% | 15% |
| Are you the parent or legal guardian of any children currently living in the household? If so, how many? | 2024 | 2132 |
| Yes | 35% | 36% |
| No | 64% | 76% |
| No response | 0% | 1% |
| What are the ages of children in the home? | 751 | 836 |
| Under 5 | 21% | 24% |
| 6 to 12 | 31% | 35% |
| 13 to 15 | 22% | 22% |
| 16 to 18 | 27% | 26% |
| 19 to 24 | 32% | 30% |
| 25 or older | 11% | 11% |
| Education (unweighted) | 2024 | 2132 |
| Grade 8 or less | 1% | 1% |
| Some high school | 7% | 1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 32% | 20% |
| Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma | 6% | 5% |
| College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma | 21% | 20% |
| University certificate or diploma below bachelors level | 8% | 8% |
| Bachelor's degree | 14% | 26% |
| Post graduate degree above bachelor's level | 9% | 15% |
| No response | 0% | 1% |
| Total household income | 2005 | 2115 |
| Under $20,000 | 6% | 9% |
| $20,000 to just under $40,000 | 11% | 11% |
| $40,000 to just under $60,000 | 12% | 15% |
| $60,000 to just under $80,000 | 13% | 12% |
| $80,000 to just under $100,000 | 13% | 14% |
| $100,000 to just under $120,000 | 10% | 10% |
| $120,000 to just under $150,000 | 10% | 7% |
| $150,000 and above | 14% | 11% |
| No response | 12% | 12% |
| Were you born in Canada? | 2024 | 2132 |
| Yes | 89% | 88% |
| No | 11% | 12% |
| Language most often spoken at home | 2024 | 2132 |
| English | 79% | 78% |
| French | 22% | 23% |
| Other | 3% | 3% |
| Gender (unweighted) | 2024 | 2132 |
| Male | 48% | 48% |
| Female | 51% | 51% |
| Other | 1% | 0% |
| No response | 1% | 1% |
| Region | 2024 | 2132 |
| British Columbia | 14% | 15% |
| Alberta | 11% | 11% |
| Saskatchewan & Manitoba | 7% | 6% |
| Ontario | 38% | 37% |
| Quebec | 23% | 22% |
| Atlantic | 7% | 9% |
The sample over represents those with post secondary education, including 52% with a university level of education compared with 23% in the population, and under represents those with high school/elementary or college levels of education. This is partially driven by the oversample of younger Canadians. There are fewer Canadians born outside of Canada represented in the sample (12%) than found in the population (25%).
WINTRO
Online Intro
Thank you for agreeing to complete this survey. All your responses will be kept strictly confidential.
Click here if you wish to verify the authenticity of this survey, followed by project code 20200121-EK101. To view our privacy policy, click here.
The personal information you provide is collected in accordance with the Privacy Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project. In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information.
A few reminders before beginning...
Instructions
PINTRO
Phone Intro
Hello, my name is ... and I'm calling from Ekos Research Associates. May I speak with ______?
We are conducting a survey.
Would you mind if we asked you some questions? All your responses will be kept strictly confidential.
May I begin?
If asked: This survey should take about 15 minutes.
PRIV
This call may be recorded for quality control or training purposes.
QPROV
In which province/territory do you live?
Alberta 1
British Columbia 2
Manitoba 3
New Brunswick 4
Newfoundland & Labrador 5
Northwest Territories 6
Nova Scotia 7
Nunavut 8
Ontario 9
Prince Edward Island 10
Quebec 11
Saskatchewan 12
Yukon 13
QAGEA
Some questions in this survey are intended for specific age groups. For the purposes of the survey, what year were you born in?
QAGE: [phone](If 2004 or later, thank and terminate)
2004 or later 98
Year : 77
No response 99
QAGEX
If 2003, confirm if at least 16
Are you at least 16 years of age?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
QAGEY
Hesitant
May we place your age into one of the following general age categories?
Under 13 98
16-18 years 2
19-24 years 3
25-34 years 4
35-44 years 5
45-54 years 6
55-64 years 7
65-74 years 8
75 years or older 9
No response 99
QCHILD
16 or older
A few questions in the survey are also intended for parents. Are you the parent or legal guardian of any children currently living in the household? If so, how many?
Yes (please enter number of children) : 1
No 2
No response 9
QCHILDA [1,5]
Parents, QCHILD
What are the ages of children in the home?
Select all that apply
Under 5 1
6 to 12 2
13 to 15 3
16 to 18 4
19 to 24 5
25 or older 6
No response 9
ROTQ10
Calculation to randomly determine if respondent sees Q1A, Q1B or Q1C series of questions.
Q1A 1
Q1B 2
Q1C 3
PREQ1A
What are your top three concerns when it comes to road safety?
Select primary concern and other concerns - up to 2
Q1AA
Primary concern
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of alcohol 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q1AB [0,2]
Other concerns
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of alcohol 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
PREQ1B
What are your top three concerns when it comes to road safety?
Select primary concern and other concerns - up to 2
Q1BA
Primary concern
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of cannabis 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q1BB [0,2]
Other concerns
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of cannabis 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
PREQ1C
What are your top three concerns when it comes to road safety?
Select primary concern and other concerns - up to 2
Q1CA
Primary concern
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of prescription drugs 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q1CB [0,2]
Other concerns
Distracted driving 1
Non-licensed or underage driving 2
Driving under the influence of prescription drugs 3
Aggressive driving 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
PQ2
This survey focuses on driving under the influence of cannabis (also sometimes called marijuana, pot, or weed) used for recreational purposes. That is, use for the purposes of getting high and/or for pleasure and not for the treatment of disease or illness or helping with symptoms associated with disease or illness.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements. Q7_1: [phone]You can answer with strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat agree or strongly agree.
Q2A
Using cannabis impairs one's ability to drive or operate a vehicle.
Strongly disagree 1
Somewhat disagree 2
Neither agree nor disagree 3
Somewhat agree 4
Strongly agree 5
Don't know/ No response 99
Q2B
Drinking alcohol impairs one's ability to drive or operate a vehicle.
Strongly disagree 1
Somewhat disagree 2
Neither agree nor disagree 3
Somewhat agree 4
Strongly agree 5
Don't know/ No response 99
Q2D
People often don't realize that they are impaired from using cannabis.
Strongly disagree 1
Somewhat disagree 2
Neither agree nor disagree 3
Somewhat agree 4
Strongly agree 5
Don't know/ No response 99
PQ3
Please indicate if each one of the following is true or false from what you know.
Q3A
Driving under the influence of cannabis is less dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
True 1
False 2
Don't know/ No response 99
Q3B
Driving while under the influence of cannabis is more socially acceptable than driving under the influence of alcohol.
True 1
False 2
Don't know/ No response 99
Q3C
It is very obvious and easy to see if someone is too high to drive.
True 1
False 2
Don't know/ No response 99
Q3D
Driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol together is more dangerous than driving under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol alone.
True 1
False 2
Don't know/ No response 99
Q3F
Different forms of cannabis consumption (i.e. smoking, edibles, etc.) can affect driving differently.
True 1
False 2
Don't know/ No response 99
Q4 [1,5]
From what you know, in what way(s) does cannabis affect driving ability?
Select all that apply.
Does not change ability at all 1
Makes you a more careful driver (e.g., more accurate behaviour and decisions like speed, following distance, steering) 2
Reduces reaction time and ability to concentrate 3
Makes you a worse driver (e.g., less accurate behaviour and decisions like speed, following distance, steering) 4
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q5
Since recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada, do you think that the rate of driving while under the influence of cannabis has decreased, increased or stayed the same?
Decreased a lot 1
Decreased a little 2
Stayed the same 3
Increased a little 4
Increased a lot 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q6
How concerned are you about others on the road who are driving under the influence of cannabis? Q6_1: [phone]You can answer with not at all concerned, not very concerned, moderately concerned, concerned or very concerned.
Not at all concerned 1
Not very concerned 2
Moderately concerned 3
Concerned 4
Very concerned 5
Don't know/ No response 98
Q7
Have you ever looked for information on the effects of drugs on driving ability?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know/ No response 98
Q8 [1,8]
If you were to speak with someone to get information on the effects of drugs on driving ability, who would you be most likely to speak with?
Q8_2: [phone]Do not read list
AQAGEA = 1995-2003 or QAGEY = 2,3 or QAGEX = 1
Your parents 1
Friend 2
Doctors/health professional/nurse/hospital/health clinic 3
Law enforcement (e.g., police officers) 4
Teachers/counsellors/social worker 5
[AQAGEA = 1995-2003 or QAGEY = 2,3 or QAGEX = 1]Other family[Else]Family 6
QCHILD = 1
Other parents 7
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q9 [1,9]
If you were to look for information online on the effects of drugs on driving ability, where would you most likely look for reliable information?
Q8_2: [phone]Do not read list
Online/the internet generally 1
Government of Canada website 2
Provincial/Municipal/local government website 3
Police organizations (website, police station, police associations) 4
Legal community 5
Cannabis industry/community 6
Not-for-profit groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada 7
Driving associations such as the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or driving training/schools 8
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q10 [1,8]
What information, if any, would you want to know about the risks and effects of driving after using drugs?
Select all that apply. Q9_2: [phone]Read each one and get yes/no for each.
Effects of cannabis on driving ability 1
How to talk with your [AQAGE = 12-24 or QAGEY = 1-3 or QAGEX = 1]parents[Else]teens about drugs 2
The law and penalties of driving after using drugs 3
Length of time before it is safe to drive after using drugs 4
How the police tests for drugs usage 5
My rights as a driver if pulled over 6
Effects of different forms of cannabis consumption 7
Other (Please specify) : 77
I have no interest/need for information 97
Don't know 98
No response 99
ROTQ1
Calculation to randomly determine if respondent sees Q10A or Q10B
Q10A 1
Q10B 2
Q10A
To what extent would you say that you have enough trustworthy information to make informed decisions about the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs, including cannabis. RQ10: [phone]Please answer on a five point scale where 1 is not at all, 3 is moderately and 5 is completely.
1 Not at all 1
2 2
3 Moderately 3
4 4
5 Completely 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q10B
To what extent would you say that you have enough trustworthy Canadian information to make informed decisions about the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs, including cannabis. RQ10: [phone]Please answer on a five point scale where 1 is not at all, 3 is moderately and 5 is completely.
1 Not at all 1
2 2
3 Moderately 3
4 4
5 Completely 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q11
This following section is about cannabis use. Use includes smoking, inhaling, eating or applying products that contain cannabis, also called pot, weed or marijuana.
As far as you know, have people close to you (e.g., friends or family) ever used cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q12
Have you ever used cannabis?
(Remember that the survey results are completely confidential and will not be linked to personal identity)
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
Q13
If used cannabis, Q12
Have you used cannabis in the past 12 months?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
Q14
How acceptable is it for people you know to drive while under the influence of cannabis? Q11_1: [phone]You can answer with not at all acceptable, not very acceptable, moderately acceptable, acceptable or very acceptable.
Not at all acceptable 1
Not very acceptable 2
Moderately acceptable 3
Acceptable 4
Very acceptable 5
No response 99
Q15 [1,3]
What would be your biggest concern with driving while under the influence of cannabis, if you were to do so?
(Select up to 3 responses) Q13_1: [phone]I'll read the list slowly and you can tell me when we get to a major concern for you
Getting caught by police 1
Having a permanent criminal record, possibly affecting employment or international travel 2
Getting into an accident 3
Hurting, paralyzing or killing someone else 5
Family or peer judgment 6
Damage to property 7
Having significantly increased insurance premiums 8
Getting hurt in an accident 9
Becoming paralyzed from an accident 10
Getting killed in an accident 11
No concerns 97
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know/ No response 98
Q16
If used cannabis, Q12 and age 16 or over, QAGE
Have you ever driven or operated a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
Q17
What was behind your decision?
I did not feel impaired 1
I did not believe I would be caught by law enforcement/the police 2
I did not have alternative transportation 3
I thought I could drive carefully 4
I did not have to drive very far 5
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q18
As far as you know, how common is it for people you know (e.g., friends, family, work colleagues) to drive while under the influence of cannabis? Q10_1: [phone]You can answer with very rare, not very common, moderately common, common or very common.
Very rare 1
Not very common 2
Moderately common 3
Common 4
Very common 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q19
Have you ever been a passenger in a vehicle when the driver was under the influence of cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q20
How likely would you be to accept a ride from someone who you knew was under the influence of cannabis? Q12_1: [phone]You can answer with not at all likely, not very likely, moderately likely, likely, very likely.
Not at all likely 1
Not very likely 2
Moderately likely 3
Likely 4
Very likely 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q21 [1,3]
If you were a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was under the influence of cannabis, what concerns, if any, would you have?
(Select up to 3) Q13_1: [phone]I'll read the list slowly and you can tell me when we get to a major concern for you
Getting caught by police 1
Having a permanent criminal record, possibly affecting employment or international travel 2
Getting hurt in an accident 3
Becoming paralyzed from an accident 4
Getting killed in an accident 5
Hurting, paralyzing or killing someone else 6
Family or peer judgment 7
Damage to property 8
Having significantly increased insurance premiums 9
No concerns 10
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q22
How comfortable would you be trying to stop a friend or family member from driving if you thought that they were impaired after using cannabis? RQ22: [phone]Would you say not at all comfortable, not very comfortable, moderately comfortable, comfortable or very comfortable?
Not at all comfortable 1
Not very comfortable 2
Moderately comfortable 3
Comfortable 4
Very comfortable 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q23
How comfortable would you be trying to stop a friend or family member from accepting a ride from a driver who you thought was impaired after using cannabis? RQ22: [phone]Would you say not at all comfortable, not very comfortable, moderately comfortable, comfortable or very comfortable?
Not at all comfortable 1
Not very comfortable 2
Moderately comfortable 3
Comfortable 4
Very comfortable 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q24
How comfortable would you be in reporting to the police, if you knew that someone was driving impaired after using cannabis? RQ22: [phone]Would you say not at all comfortable, not very comfortable, moderately comfortable, comfortable or very comfortable?
Not at all comfortable 1
Not very comfortable 2
Moderately comfortable 3
Comfortable 4
Very comfortable 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q25
Under 25 only
Have you discussed driving while under the influence of cannabis with your parent or guardian?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
Q26
Parents of children 13-24
As far as you know, has your teenager ever used cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q27
Parents of kids 16-24
As far as you know, has your teenager ever driven a vehicle while under the influence of cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q28
Parents of children 13-24
As far as you know, has your teenager ever accepted a ride with a driver who was under the influence of cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q29
Parents of youth 16-24
Have you discussed driving while under the influence of cannabis with your son or daughter?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 99
Q30 [1,6]
Parents of youth 16-24 only and has discussed cannabis, Q29
What have you discussed?
Q8_2: [phone]Do not read list
[phone]
The effects on driving ability 1
[phone]
The legal consequences 2
[phone]
Not accepting a ride from someone who is under the influence 3
[phone]
Peer pressure or situations of not driving or accepting a ride 4
[phone]
Solutions or alternatives (i.e., back up plan) to avoid these situations 5
RQ30: [phone]Other (Please specify) :[Else]Please specify: 77
No response 99
Q31
As far as you know, is it currently legal to drive while under the influence of cannabis in Canada?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q33
As far as you know, how long after using cannabis is it safe to drive a vehicle?
PQ16_1: [phone](Prompt as needed.)
Right away 1
Within one hour 2
Between 1 and 2 hours 3
Between 2 to 3 hours 4
At least three or more hours afterward 5
After a night of sleep 6
Whenever the person feels like the effect is gone 7
Other (Please specify) : 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q34
As far as you know, can the police detect impairment from cannabis, among drivers who are stopped at the roadside?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q35
Are the penalties for driving while impaired from cannabis less strict, the same, or more strict than they are for impairment from alcohol?
Less strict than alcohol 1
The same as alcohol 2
More strict than alcohol 3
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q36A
Currently, drug impaired driving carries a $1,000 dollar fine and loss of license for 12 months. It may also include jail time of up to 18 months, as well as a permanent criminal record. Where an accident results in harm or death the sentence can be up to 10 years in prison.
How aware were you of the legal consequences of drug impaired driving before now?
Not at all aware 1
Not very aware 2
Somewhat aware 3
Aware 4
Completely aware 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q36
Do you think that these penalties are strict enough to prevent people from driving while under the influence of cannabis?
Yes 1
No 2
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q13B
The next questions explore the cannabis market more broadly. Remember that the survey results are completely confidential.
You indicated earlier that you have used cannabis in the last 12 months. From whom did you usually buy or receive the cannabis?
I grew my own 1
It was specifically grown for me 2
From a legal storefront 3
From a legal online source (Health Canada licensed producer, provincial regulated retailer) 4
From an illegal storefront 5
From an illegal online source 6
It was shared around a group of friends 7
From a family member 8
From a friend 9
From an acquaintance 10
From a dealer 11
Other (specify) 77
Don't know 98
No response/Prefer not to say 99
Q13C
Which factor most influences from whom you usually buy or receive the cannabis you use?
Price 1
Quality/safe supply 2
Convenience (e.g., hours of operation, delivery) 3
Proximity to storefront 4
Availability of specific product type (e.g., edibles) 5
Access to a specific strain/variety 6
Ability to purchase from a legal source 7
Anonymity/privacy 8
Other reason (specify) 77
Don't know 98
No response 99
Q39
Currently, an individual may face monetary fines or jail terms for breaking Canadian cannabis laws. How aware would you say you are of the laws around cannabis, and the legal consequences of breaking cannabis laws?
Not at all aware 1
Not very aware 2
Somewhat aware 3
Aware 4
Completely aware 5
Don't know 98
No response 99
DEMIN
These last questions are for statistical purposes and we remind you that all your answers are completely confidential.
D1
What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed to date?
Grade 8 or less 1
Some high school 2
High school diploma or equivalent 3
Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma 4
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 5
University certificate or diploma below bachelors level 6
Bachelor's degree 7
Post graduate degree above bachelor's level 8
No response 99
D2
If 18 or older
Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household, before taxes?
Under $20,000 1
$20,000 to just under $40,000 2
$40,000 to just under $60,000 3
$60,000 to just under $80,000 4
$80,000 to just under $100,000 5
$100,000 to just under $120,000 6
$120,000 to just under $150,000 7
$150,000 and above 8
No response 99
D3
Were you born in Canada?
Yes 1
No 2
No response 9
D4 [1,3]
What is the language you speak most often at home?
(select all that apply)
English 1
French 2
Other (please specify) 77
No response 99
D5
What are the first 3 digits of your postal code?
Please specify : 1
No response 9
QGENDR
[phone]Do not ask - interviewer record gender[Else]Are you...?
Male 1
Female 2
Other, please specify : 3
No response 9
THNK
Those are all the questions we have for you. Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this survey, it is greatly appreciated. Your answers have been saved and you may now close your browser window.
THNK2
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