Majority of American cannabis consumers uninformed on industry quality and safety standards

A new national study has revealed that over 2/3 of Americans over estimate the quality and safety standards that are imposed on legal cannabis industries.

2,000 adults were questioned throughout the study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of SICPA, which provides regulatory compliance solutions for the industry. The study was also supported by the Foundation of Cannabis Unified Standards (FOCUS).

“Our new survey shows Americans are wholly misinformed about the lack of basic safety and quality protections for cannabis products in many states,” stated Karen Gardner, chief marketing officer, SICPA US. “Even cannabis consumers themselves aren’t aware that in states where products are legal, there are no uniform standards, leaving lots of room for unsafe, poor-quality products on the market.”

The study concluded that nearly 72% of Americans overall, and 80% of cannabis consumers think that cannabis products are grown and processed under uniform product safety standards across all legal states. Another 4/5 — 81% of Americans and 84% of cannabis consumers — believe that businesses licensed to grow and produce cannabis must meet specific environmental standards, no matter the state.

Lastly the study found that 77% of Americans and 81% of cannabis consumers are under the assumption that cannabis employers are held to the same health and safety standards as every other industry.

The truth is that there are no uniform safety standards, health standards or environmental standards that match up consistently across any recreational cannabis states. As every state that has legalized has made some sort of adjustment to the state before it, that includes regulations and industry standards.

The poll also asked Americans and cannabis consumers if they would support federal standards for safety and quality of cannabis products. Both groups expressed vast support, with 84% approval in both groups. Both groups also supported federal environmental standards being set by the government as well (83% in both groups).

Surprisingly the study also found that more Americans and cannabis consumers support broadly legalizing cannabis (78% and 86% respectively) compared to merely decriminalizing it (74% and 79% respectively).

According to the study, which also aimed to study overall cannabis use among Americans, 55% have used cannabis products at least once, while 42% have used a cannabis product in the last 12 months. Only 16% of respondents said they had consumed cannabis for the first time in the last 12 months.

This poll is the third of a series conducted by SICPA-Harris aiming to learn more about the feelings and desires of the American public when it comes to cannabis consumption, packaging and safety standards. The numbers reveal a strong increase in support for overall legalization, as well as support for federal regulations regarding health, safety and environmental standards.

Cannabis businesses could conclude from this study that putting maximum effort into showcasing and improving health and safety standards, as well as a consistent measurement for quality that the public can trust may significantly increase consumer trust and support.