Statistics Canada looking down the drain to determine levels of pot consumption
OTTAWA — The federal government is taking a somewhat noxious approach to studying just how much pot Canadians are consuming: researching our sewage.
Statistics Canada will spend up to $600,000 a year for a contractor to regularly test waste water from 15 to 20 municipalities across the country for traces of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and other drugs.
The survey could be the best way to collect precise data on the amount of pot Canadians consume, according to Anthony Peluso, an assistant director at Statistics Canada.
“We want to have a good indication of actual consumption numbers,” said Peluso. “Sometimes we do get quantities, but we’re not sure.”