Florida is a state with a complex relationship with cannabis. While medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients, recreational use is still prohibited and can result in harsh penalties. However, some cities and counties have adopted more lenient policies and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. In this article, we will explore which city in Florida is smoking more ganja than anywhere else in the state, and what are the factors behind its high consumption rate.
Marijuana Consumption in Florida
According to a 2018 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Florida ranked 26th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of past-month marijuana use among people aged 12 or older.
The report estimated that 12.6% of Floridians used marijuana in the past month, slightly below the national average of 15.9%. However, the report also noted that Florida had a higher rate of marijuana use disorder (2.5%) than the national average (1.5%), indicating a potential problem with dependence and abuse.
Marijuana consumption in Florida varies by region, age, and other factors. According to a 2019 study by My Florida Green, a medical marijuana certification center, the most popular cities in Florida for marijuana are Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola.
The study based its ranking on the number of medical marijuana patients per 100,000 residents, as well as the number of dispensaries and doctors in each city. The study also found that the average age of medical marijuana patients in Florida was 50, and that the most common qualifying conditions were chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cancer.
The Highest Marijuana Smoking City in Florida
While the above-mentioned study focused on medical marijuana, another source of data that can shed light on recreational marijuana consumption is the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), conducted by SAMHSA. The NSDUH provides estimates of past-year marijuana use among people aged 12 or older for each metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the country.
Based on the latest available data from 2015-2016, the MSA with the highest percentage of past-year marijuana users in Florida was Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, with 19.6%. This was followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater with 18.1%, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach with 17.5%.
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford is the third-largest MSA in Florida, with a population of about 2.4 million people. It is best known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks and attractions that draw millions of tourists every year. It is also a major center for education, technology, entertainment, and sports. Some of the factors that may contribute to its high marijuana consumption rate are:
Its large and diverse population, which includes many young adults, college students, immigrants, and minorities, who tend to have higher rates of marijuana use than other groups.
Its vibrant and dynamic culture, which fosters creativity, innovation, and experimentation, and may also influence attitudes and behaviors toward marijuana.
Its tourism and hospitality industry, which may expose residents and visitors to different lifestyles and experiences, and may also create stress and pressure that may lead some to seek relief or escape through marijuana.
Its relatively lenient marijuana laws, which have decriminalized possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana in Orlando and other cities within the MSA, reducing the risk of arrest and prosecution.
Conclusion
Marijuana is a widely used substance in Florida, both for medical and recreational purposes. However, not all cities and counties in the state have the same level of consumption, and some have higher rates than others. Based on the available data, the city in Florida that is smoking more ganja than anywhere else in the state is Orlando, followed by Tampa and Miami. These cities have various factors that may influence their marijuana use, such as demographics, culture, economy, and law. While marijuana may have some benefits for certain conditions and situations, it may also have some risks and harms, especially for frequent and heavy users. Therefore, it is important to be informed and responsible when using marijuana, and to seek help if needed.
