Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, or cannabis, is a psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant. It is used for medical or recreational purposes, depending on the legal status and availability in different regions. In the United States, marijuana is illegal at the federal level, but some states have legalized it for medical or recreational use, or both.
One of the states that has legalized medical marijuana is Pennsylvania, which enacted the Medical Marijuana Act in 2016. The act allows patients with certain qualifying conditions to obtain and use marijuana products from licensed dispensaries, with a physician’s recommendation. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal in Pennsylvania, and possession of small amounts can result in fines or jail time.
Despite the legal risks, some Pennsylvanians are smoking more weed than ever before, according to a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The report, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), reveals that one city in Pennsylvania stands out as the most cannabis-friendly in the state: Philadelphia.
Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love and Weed
According to the SAMHSA report, Philadelphia had the highest rate of marijuana use among adults aged 18 and older in Pennsylvania, with 16.5% of the population reporting past-month use in 2019-2020. This is significantly higher than the state average of 12.8%, and the national average of 15.9%. Philadelphia also had the highest rate of marijuana use disorder, with 4.1% of the population meeting the criteria for dependence or abuse, compared to 2.7% for the state and 3.1% for the nation.
What explains Philadelphia’s high weed consumption? There are several possible factors, such as:
Demographics: Philadelphia is the largest and most diverse city in Pennsylvania, with a population of about 1.6 million people. It has a higher proportion of young adults, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income households than the rest of the state, which are groups that tend to have higher rates of marijuana use, according to the NSDUH data.
Culture: Philadelphia has a long and rich history of cultural and artistic expression, as well as social and political activism. The city is home to many famous musicians, artists, writers, and celebrities, some of whom have openly advocated for or used marijuana, such as Will Smith, Questlove, Kevin Hart, and Meek Mill. The city also hosts several events and festivals that celebrate cannabis culture, such as the Philly Smoke Session, the Philly Cannabis Cup, and the Philly NORML Freedom Rally.
Policy: Philadelphia has adopted a more lenient and progressive approach to marijuana policy than the rest of the state. In 2014, the city decriminalized the possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana, reducing the penalty from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil citation with a $25 fine.
In 2016, the city launched a pre-arrest diversion program, which allows people caught with small amounts of drugs, including marijuana, to avoid arrest and prosecution by completing a social service referral. In 2019, the city’s district attorney, Larry Krasner, announced that his office would no longer prosecute marijuana possession cases, regardless of the amount.
Conclusion
Philadelphia is the city in Pennsylvania that is smoking more weed than anywhere else in the state, according to a recent report by SAMHSA. The city has a high rate of marijuana use and marijuana use disorder among its adult population, which may be influenced by its demographics, culture, and policy.
While some may view this as a sign of freedom and tolerance, others may be concerned about the potential health and social consequences of marijuana use, such as impaired driving, mental health problems, and addiction. As Pennsylvania considers legalizing recreational marijuana in the future, it may need to balance the interests and preferences of its diverse and dynamic communities, especially Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love and weed.