Canadians are impressed with the plain packaging used for cannabis products, with many describing the minimalist, dark design as understated, sleek and cool, according to a Health Canada poll.

Last year, the federal health department awarded Ottawa-based Earnscliffe Strategy Group a $113,000 contract to poll Canadians about proposed health warnings on newly legal recreational pot products. Earnscliffe held 20 focus-group sessions in the spring of 2018 in Toronto, Quebec City, Saskatoon, Vancouver and St. John’s, N.L.

The sessions were divided into four groups: 13- to 15-year-olds, 16- and 17-year-olds, young adults (18- to 24-year-olds) and adults 25 and up.

In its October report, Earnscliffe said overall reaction to the health warnings was “mixed,” and tended to reflect participants’ preconceptions about cannabis. Those predisposed to fear it were more receptive to the warnings, while those more comfortable with it had a wider range of reactions based on their own experiences.

However, the polling firm found most people felt the language was clear and understandable to young people, and accepted the warnings of the dangers of cannabis smoke and driving while high. However, they didn’t immediately agree that pot is addictive, and were divided on the statement that regular use can increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia. Some called the latter a “powerful message,” while others were skeptical of its veracity.

Reaction to the plain packaging was “generally favourable,” especially among the 18- to 24-year-olds, who found the proposed wrappings particularly appealing.

“Participants described the overall look as somewhat understated, neutral, sleek, and, in some groups, cool (particularly among young adults),” reads the report.

Earnscliffe said respondents especially liked the black background under the health warnings and product descriptions, with many saying the “lack of brand elements was interesting.”

Overall, most felt the plain packaging was appropriate, and would not entice the children and young people, according to the report. It was also felt that the health warning encased in a bright yellow box was the most “attention-grabbing” element, though many felt the “placement could be a little more prominent and that the font could be larger.”