Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, pot, or grass, is a plant that contains psychoactive compounds that can alter one’s mood, perception, and cognition. Marijuana is illegal for recreational use in most states in the US, but some have legalized it for medical or adult use, or decriminalized it for possession of small amounts.
Pennsylvania is one of the states that has legalized marijuana for medical use, but not for recreational use. However, some of the state’s largest cities, such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Lancaster, have decriminalized marijuana possession, meaning that offenders are subject to a civil fine rather than a criminal charge.
But which city in Pennsylvania is smoking more weed than anywhere else in the state? According to a recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the answer is Allentown.
Allentown: The Weed Capital of Pennsylvania
The SAMHSA study, which was based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2018 to 2019, ranked the metropolitan areas in the US by the percentage of people aged 12 or older who reported using marijuana in the past month. The study found that the national average was 15.9%, while the average for Pennsylvania was 14.3%
However, the study also revealed that there was a significant variation among the different regions within the state. The metropolitan area with the highest percentage of marijuana users in Pennsylvania was Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, with 18.6%. This was followed by Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton, with 17.5%, and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, with 16.9%. The metropolitan area with the lowest percentage of marijuana users in Pennsylvania was Altoona, with 9.4%
Allentown, the third-largest city in Pennsylvania and the largest city in the Lehigh Valley, is the core of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area, which has a population of about 840,000 people Allentown is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant arts and entertainment scene. It is also home to several colleges and universities, such as Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College, and Lehigh Carbon Community College
Why Is Allentown Smoking More Weed?
There is no definitive answer to why Allentown is smoking more weed than any other city in Pennsylvania, but there are some possible factors that could contribute to this phenomenon. Some of these factors are:
Demographics: According to the US Census Bureau, Allentown has a median age of 32.6 years, which is lower than the state average of 40.8 years. Younger people tend to use marijuana more than older people, according to the NSDUH data Allentown also has a large Hispanic population, which accounts for 51.5% of the city’s residents. Some studies have suggested that Hispanic Americans have higher rates of marijuana use than other racial or ethnic groups.
Culture: Allentown has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, which could influence the attitudes and behaviors of its residents regarding marijuana use. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Great Allentown Fair, the Allentown Art Festival, the Blues, Brews, and Barbecue Festival, and the Mayfair Festival of the Arts The city also has a thriving music and arts community, with venues such as the Allentown Symphony Hall, the PPL Center, the Miller Symphony Hall, and the Allentown Art Museum Some of these events and venues could provide opportunities for socializing and consuming marijuana among the attendees and performers.
Accessibility: Allentown is located in close proximity to other states that have legalized or decriminalized marijuana, such as New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. This could make it easier for residents of Allentown to obtain marijuana from these neighboring states, either legally or illegally. Additionally, Allentown has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Pennsylvania, which could make marijuana more affordable for its residents.
Conclusion
Allentown is the city in Pennsylvania that is smoking more weed than anywhere else in the state, according to a recent study by SAMHSA. The study found that 18.6% of the people aged 12 or older in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area reported using marijuana in the past month, which was higher than the state average of 14.3% and the national average of 15.9%. There are several possible factors that could explain why Allentown is smoking more weed, such as demographics, culture, and accessibility. However, more research is needed to understand the impact of marijuana use on the health, social, and economic outcomes of the city and its residents.