Top 10 States that Smoke the Most Marijuana
States like Colorado and Washington are making waves in the cannabis industry. Not only do both of these states have very liberal laws when it comes to marijuana use, but both have pioneered the setup and management of recreational dispensaries. But, while the people in these states may consume a lot of weed, they arent the only ones by far.
Just because marijuana isnt totally legal everywhere, doesnt mean its not popular. People all over the country consume marijuana on the regular. Aarticle published by 24/7 Wall St reveals just how much weed is smoked in the United States by reviewing those with the highest rate of marijuana consumption.
The analysis took into account every individual in each state, 12 years old and up, who admitted to consuming marijuana at least once a year. Remember, this cannabis census depends on the word of individuals, so it may not be a 100% accurate representation of just how much weed is smoked in each of these states. Still, its pretty interesting to see some decent figures that detail where pot use is highest.
#10: New Mexico
Around 15.6% of New Mexicans enjoy the occasional hit of ganja and a good portion of these people are medical marijuana patients. In 2007, New Mexico did away with the harsh penalties that people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes could have faced and approving it for those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, and a host of other conditions.
#9: New Hampshire
New Hampshire comes in at a respectable 17.1%, especially given the fact that marijuana is only legal for those who have been diagnosed with one of the select serious medical conditions. New Hampshire residents who dont fit this bill and still choose to consume marijuana, risk a hefty $2,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail. Hopes are high that they will loosen up on some of their marijuana laws though, as theyre the only state in New England that has yet to decriminalize possession of the plant.
#8: Massachusetts
At 17.6%, its clear that residents of the Bay State are big fans of bud. And why shouldn't they be? With medical marijuana available to those with certain medical conditions, and decriminalization in effect for everyone else, the worst that can happen (if caught with less than an ounce) is a $100 fine. Be careful though Massachusettsans; being caught with more than an ounce could result in big fines, jail time, and criminal charges.
#7: Rhode Island
18.7% of Rhode Islanders consume marijuana at least once a year, and many much more frequently. Medical marijuana has been legal for approved conditions since 2006, allowing those who qualify to have up to 2.5 ounces on them at once. Dispensaries started opening in 2009 and the public perception of marijuana has been changing since then. In fact, only 20.9% of Rhode Islanders are of the opinion that consuming marijuana poses serious health risks; one of the lowest rates in the country.
#6: Maine
The people of Maine like marijuana, a lot. In fact, they prefer it to almost anything else. 19.4% of Maine residents have smoked marijuana in the last year and 12.6% admitted to using it in the last month. Those with certain medical conditions have been able to freely use marijuana since 1999.
Maine also has very lax possession laws, allowing any resident to keep up to 2.5 ounces of weed on them without fear. Just about the only way to get in trouble for pot possession in Maine is to have over 20 pounds of the stuff, in which case you could face a $20,000 fine and up to 10 years in jail.
#5: Washington
The first state on our list that allows both medical and recreational marijuana, is good ole Washington State. Medical marijuana has been allowed since 1998 and recreational since 2012. Still though, marijuana use in The Evergreen State is lower than one might expect, at just 19.5%.
Washington has been one of the few states to accomplish the feat of successful recreational legalization based on the belief that, while marijuana may not be considered safe, not regulating and controlling it could potentially be quite dangerous. Smart move Washington, smart move.
#4: Alaska
Now, technically, Alaska and Washington are tied for spots number four and five because 19.5% of Alaskans have used cannabis in the last year. And honestly, given the climate, its kind of surprising that number isnt higher. Whats really surprising is that in the last two years, for 7,000 of those people, it was their first ever experience with weed.
Adult Alaskans over the age of 21 are allowed to grow 6 of their own plants and can possess up to an ounce at a time. This is a trade off though, as penalties for possessing more than the legal amount are very high. Just 4 ounces of weed can land you in deep trouble, facing felony charges, a $50,000 fine, and up to five years in jail.
#3: Vermont
Medical marijuana is legal in Vermont for those diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions and about 19.8% of Vermonters enjoy marijuana in some capacity. Earlier this year a bill made its way into the Vermont House that would have paved the way for full legalization. Unfortunately ...
