Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, weed, pot, or grass, stands as one of the most widely used psychoactive substances globally. With over 190 million people consuming cannabis in 2019, as reported by the United Nations, it holds the position of the most popular drug following alcohol and tobacco. Various factors shape cannabis usage, including legal status, cultural norms, availability, price, and individual preferences.
In the United States, medical cannabis is legal in 36 states, while recreational use is permitted in 18 states and the District of Columbia as of April 2023. However, at the federal level, cannabis remains illegal, creating a complex landscape for both the cannabis industry and consumers.
Exploring the 2023 Cannabis Price Index by CFAH, a comprehensive report analyzing the global cannabis market in 120 cities, we delve into identifying the U.S. city with the highest weed consumption rate and examine factors contributing to this phenomenon.
The Highest Weed Consumer: Miami, FL
As per the 2023 Cannabis Price Index, Miami, FL, claims the title of the U.S. city with the highest weed consumption rate. The report estimates that in 2023, residents in Miami consumed an astounding 29.7 metric tons of weed, equivalent to approximately 65,477 pounds or 29.7 million grams. This translates to an average of 10.8 grams of weed per year or 0.03 grams per day per Miami resident. To provide context, the average American consumed about 4.2 grams of weed per year or 0.01 grams per day in 2023.
Miami also secures the fourth position as the most expensive city to purchase weed in the U.S., boasting an average price of $17.03 per gram. This figure surpasses double the national average of $8.37 per gram and quadruples the cost in the cheapest city, Portland, OR, where the average price is $4.11 per gram. The elevated price of weed in Miami may be attributed to heightened demand, limited supply, legal risks, or the quality of the product.
Factors Influencing Miami’s High Weed Consumption
While pinpointing a definitive answer to why Miami exhibits such high weed consumption is challenging, several factors may contribute to this trend. Some notable considerations include:
Climate and Culture: Miami’s sunny and warm climate, coupled with its vibrant and diverse culture, nightlife, and tourism industry, may create an environment conducive to cannabis use. The city’s immigrant and minority populations might bring distinct attitudes and traditions toward cannabis compared to the mainstream.
Medical Marijuana: Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016, with Miami boasting the highest number of registered patients (over 100,000) and dispensaries (50) in the state by March 2023. The accessibility and acceptance of cannabis may be elevated through medical marijuana, providing relief for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and cancer.
Recreational Marijuana: Although recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida, recent efforts, such as reduced penalties for possession and initiatives to legalize, indicate growing public support in Miami. Despite legislative setbacks, these movements suggest a diminishing fear of legal consequences for cannabis use.
Black Market: Despite strides in legalizing medical marijuana and decriminalization, the black market for weed persists in Miami and Florida. The state, identified by the DEA as a significant entry point for illicit drugs into the U.S., remains a hub for drug trafficking. The black market offers potentially cheaper, more potent, or diverse products, catering to recreational users without medical qualifications.
Conclusion
Miami, FL, claims the title of the U.S. city with the highest weed consumption rate in 2023, based on the 2023 Cannabis Price Index. The city’s residents consumed a substantial 29.7 metric tons of weed, surpassing any other city in the nation. Miami’s elevated weed consumption and prices are influenced by a combination of factors, including climate and culture, the medical marijuana program, the recreational marijuana movement, and the persistent black market. As a unique and dynamic city, Miami reflects the intricate and diverse nature of the cannabis phenomenon in the U.S. and worldwide.