When it comes to the vices of Canadians, alcohol is still the preferred choice. But a recent report from Statistics Canada shows Canadians are drinking less alcohol and buying more cannabis. In fact, cannabis sales increased by 15.8 per cent, with Canadians spending $5.2 billion dollars in 2023 & 24. Cannabis retailers have their own theories for the trend, saying that with more access, information and a variety of types — not to mention its affordability, are reasons for the rise in use and popularity.

CanoeFM recently spoke with a cannabis retailer in Minden, as well as a few local residents to find out why the trend is moving away from alcohol. Surprisingly, the people CanoeFM spoke to didn’t reflect the StatsCan findings, with only one person saying he preferred cannabis over alcohol.