Stockton University will release the results of the New Poll on April 25th 2023. The poll explored consumer attitudes and behaviors as the market continued to shape. Stockton University sent text messages to students’ cell phones inviting them to complete the online survey. Opinion Services performed the telephone dialing for the cell and landline portion. The polling period was April 1, 2023 to 14th, 2023.
Learn about the New Jersey Cannabis Consumer
This poll examined a variety of cannabis-related issues, such as general shopping habits and attitudes, in addition to behaviors, over the past year. The poll found that about one third of New Jersey adult consumers have consumed cannabis since the recreational use of cannabis became legal. Most users were also happy to visit a licensed weed shop.
Only 13% of legal cannabis users use it exclusively for medical purposes. In spite of some of the most expensive prices in the nation 69% of cannabis users purchased products at a licensed dispensary and 86% said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied.
In addition to the generally reported satisfaction with dispensaries, 43% of respondents said that they were pleased knowing the products are safe. 23% also said that they like the product’s quality. New Jersey cannabis prices are only approved by 7% respondents.
A majority (53%) of the respondents who looked at the big picture in relation to cannabis supported dispensaries selling recreational cannabis within their town (39% were opposed). The response was evenly divided when asked about adding cannabis in New Jersey’s tourism industry. This could include cannabis-infused dining, lounges for consumption, and other options.
Demographic findings and Reluctance to the Legal Market
The poll, while a minority in size, also examined the attitudes and habits of consumers and residents who are yet to adopt the legal market. In response to the question of why they had not yet visited an official dispensary, 30% said that no legal dispensary was nearby. There are currently 24 retail shops in the state.
The general cost (11%) and preference of products from other sellers (13%), are also reasons. 27 percent of the respondents said “someother reason”. Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents confessed to having purchased cannabis and cannabis-related products in the last year from individuals who were not licensed.
This poll provides some interesting demographic information about New Jersey cannabis consumers. Women (28%) are more likely than men (37%) to use cannabis. People under 50 years old were also more inclined to have used cannabis within the last year. In particular, 43% and 41% respectively of those aged 18 to 29 years old, as well as 30-49 year-olds, consumed cannabis. Only 17% senior citizens engaged in the practice, half of whom used cannabis strictly for medical purposes.
Blacks were the most likely to use cannabis (39%). Whites (33%) followed, then Hispanic/Latino people (29%). There was no difference in the usage of cannabis between the different areas and whether or not the respondents had a degree. Democrats are also more likely to use cannabis (38%) than Republicans (24%) or Independents (32%).
The findings, while still preliminary and only a year old, highlight the current challenges facing New Jersey’s cannabis legalization industry, as well as the high demand for marijuana in the state. Although prices are high, and accessibility to dispensaries is still a problem, consumers seem to be willing to pay if they can get high-quality, safe products.
The article New Jersey consumer attitudes and habits a year after market launch first appeared on High Times.
