This City in New Jersey Is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State

Updated On: June 24, 2025

This City in New Jersey Is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State

New Jersey is one of the latest states to legalize recreational marijuana, following the approval of Ballot Question 1 in the November 2020 election. The state also passed two bills to decriminalize cannabis, expunge criminal records and penalize underage use.

However, not all towns in New Jersey are welcoming the legal weed industry, as dozens of them have passed ordinances to opt out of allowing cannabis businesses within their borders.

Despite this, New Jersey residents seem to have a high demand for marijuana, especially in one city that consumes more weed than anywhere else in the state.

The City with the Highest Weed Consumption in New Jersey

According to a recent study by Yahoo Finance, Houston, Texas is the city with the highest weed consumption in the state. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the city’s large population and its diverse demographics.

However, Houston is not the only city in Texas that enjoys cannabis, as the state ranks fourth in the nation for marijuana consumption, behind California, New York and Florida.

But what about New Jersey? Which city in the Garden State smokes more weed than any other? The answer may surprise you. According to the same study, the city with the highest weed consumption in New Jersey is Newark. 
The largest city in the state, with a population of over 280,000 people, consumes an average of 2.5 metric tons of weed per year. That’s about 0.9% of the total weed consumption in the state, which is estimated at 282.6 metric tons per year.
Why Newark?Newark is known for its cultural diversity, its history, its arts and its education. It is also known for its high crime rate, its poverty and its social problems. These factors may contribute to the high demand for marijuana in the city, as some people may use it to cope with stress, pain, anxiety or depression.
Additionally, Newark is located close to New York City, which has the highest weed consumption in the world, according to another study by ABCD. The proximity to the Big Apple may influence the cannabis culture and availability in Newark, as well as the prices and quality of the product.

However, Newark is not the only city in New Jersey that has a significant weed consumption. Other cities that rank high in the list are Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth and Trenton.

These cities also have large and diverse populations, as well as social and economic challenges. They may also benefit from the legalization of marijuana, as it could create new jobs, generate tax revenue and reduce the black market.

Conclusion

New Jersey is one of the newest states to join the legal weed movement, following the will of the majority of its voters.

However, the state still faces some challenges and uncertainties regarding the regulation and implementation of the cannabis industry. While some towns have opted out of allowing cannabis businesses, others have embraced the opportunity to participate in the emerging market.

Among them, Newark stands out as the city with the highest weed consumption in the state, reflecting its demographic, cultural and social characteristics. As the state progresses in its legalization process, it will be interesting to see how the cannabis landscape evolves and impacts the lives of New Jersey residents.

Doris Oliver

Doris Oliver is a proud Ridgecrest native with a deep passion for bringing local stories to light. With over 2 years of experience in community reporting, Doris has built a trusted voice in the Community. Her work focuses on covering the issues that matter most to Ridgecrest residents — from public safety and education to local government and community events. Driven by a belief that informed citizens make stronger communities, Doris is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news. Through ridgecrestpact.org, she aims to bridge the gap between people and the stories shaping their everyday lives — making local news accessible, engaging, and meaningful.