Marijuana has had an identity shift in the US. It wasn’t long ago that you could risk a fine or even arrest for using marijuana. Now there are 18 states and Washington D.C that have legalized recreational weed use, and counting.
Although the US is becoming more chill about marijuana, it is heating their sales. In 2020, legal cannabis sales made over $17.5 billion.
If you are wondering what states have the most Marijuana users, you are in the right place. Read on for all you need to know.
What Is Marijuana?
For those unfamiliar with the term marijuana, it is also commonly known as weed, cannabis, ganja, pot, dope, and a few other names. It is made from the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Some people smoke it; others consume it in different ways, such as through foods known as edibles.
Where Is Marijuana Legal?
Canada and Uruguay are two countries where marijuana is legal. But where is marijuana legalized in the US?
The marijuana states in the US are; Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Washington, DC, and Guam also have legalized marijuana.
Where Is Marijuana Illegal?
Idaho, Indiana, and Nebraska are states where marijuana is illegal in the US. Other states which are not marijuana states may have severely restricted laws. Most laws are focused on the medical use of marijuana.
Marijuana was going to be legal in Mississippi, but there was an issue. So it is still decriminalized with a fine as an offense. South Dakota is also pending.
In states such as Florida, there are shops such as Harvest HOC, which has locations in different states. It caters to the marijuana rules in the state, so it is a medical marijuana treatment center. So you can access marijuana but within the limits of the law.
The Top Marijuana States
Out of the marijuana states, there are some that rank higher for marijuana users. Colorado is one of the top marijuana states and was the first to legalize marijuana. Other states include:
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Michigan
Rankings depend on the method of surveying, but these marijuana states come up top regularly. There is no one answer to who uses marijuana, but now in marijuana states, it is mainstream.
12% of Americans report using marijuana, which includes different age ranges and genders. Everyone from homeowners to students and retirees use marijuana. The reasons vary from health to recreational purposes.
Who Will Join the Marijuana States Next?
Although there are marijuana states with more users than others, there are also more states to soon compete. In 2022, it is expected that many states will have marijuana legalization on the ballots.
However, there is a long way to go before it is the United States of Marijuana unless marijuana legislation goes to the federal level. Some states still only allow CBD for medical use and no THC products.
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