Almost half of Ontarians surveyed agree with the provincial government’s plan to regulate marijuana just like alcohol.

Fifty per cent of 801 respondents to a Forum poll say pot should be regulated just like sales of alcohol, through an LCBO-type operation.

The Ontario government has already announced plans to have about 40 or so stores up and running to sell legal marijuana in time for the federal government’s 2018 deadline. There are also plans to expand to 80 stores by the end of next year and up to 150 by 2020.

The Forum poll notes that among marijuana users, they are almost evenly split on the question of regulation, with 46 per cent favouring an alcohol model while 49 per cent say it should be regulated like tobacco.

The survey also found that among cannabis users, almost two thirds agree with the rumored $10 price point per gram. Fifty-nine per cent say that is reasonable while 24 per cent call it very reasonable.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa said earlier this month it was important to strike a balance between competing with black market prices and discouraging use among young people when he floated the $10 per gram price point.

The Forum poll was conducted between September 26 and 27 and is considered accurate +/- 3 per cent, 19 times out of 20.