Weed, also known as marijuana or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. It has been consumed for centuries for both recreational and medicinal purposes. However, weed is still illegal for most Floridians, except for those who qualify for medical marijuana cards.
Despite the legal restrictions, some cities in Florida have higher rates of weed consumption than others. In this article, we will reveal which city in Florida is smoking more weed than anywhere else in the state, and why.
The City with the Highest Weed Consumption in Florida
According to a report by Verilife, a national cannabis dispensary chain, the city with the highest weed consumption in Florida is Orlando. The report estimates that Orlando residents consume about 77.2 metric tons of weed per year, which is equivalent to 170,000 pounds or 76.8 million grams. This means that the average Orlando resident smokes about 7.6 grams of weed per month, or 0.25 grams per day.
Orlando ranks ninth among the top 10 cities in the United States with the highest weed consumption, behind New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Orlando also ranks first among the top 10 cities in Florida with the highest weed consumption, followed by Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Pensacola, Sarasota, and Naples.
Why Orlando Smokes More Weed Than Anywhere Else in Florida
There are several possible reasons why Orlando smokes more weed than anywhere else in Florida. One reason is that Orlando is the most populous city in the state, with more than 2.6 million residents in the metropolitan area. With a larger population, there is a higher demand and supply of weed in the city.
Another reason is that Orlando is a major tourist destination, attracting more than 75 million visitors per year. Orlando is home to many famous attractions, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center. Many tourists may seek to enhance their vacation experience by smoking weed, either legally or illegally.
A third reason is that Orlando has a relatively liberal attitude towards weed, compared to other cities in Florida. In 2016, Orlando passed a city ordinance that decriminalized the possession of up to 20 grams of weed, reducing the penalty from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil citation. This means that people caught with small amounts of weed in Orlando face a fine of $100 for the first offense, and $200 for the second offense, instead of jail time or a criminal record.
A fourth reason is that Orlando has a vibrant and diverse culture, with a strong influence from the Hispanic, African American, and LGBTQ communities. These groups may have different views and preferences regarding weed, and may use it for various reasons, such as socializing, relaxing, coping, or healing.
Conclusion
Weed is a controversial and complex topic, with different legal, medical, social, and economic implications. While weed is still illegal for most Floridians, some cities in the state have higher rates of weed consumption than others. Based on a report by Verilife, the city with the highest weed consumption in Florida is Orlando, which consumes about 77.2 metric tons of weed per year.
Orlando smokes more weed than anywhere else in Florida because of its large population, tourist appeal, progressive policies, and diverse culture. However, weed consumption is not necessarily a bad thing, as it may have positive effects on health, happiness, and creativity. As more states and countries legalize weed, Florida may follow suit in the future, and Orlando may become a leader in the cannabis industry.