New York is one of the most populous and diverse states in the United States, with a rich history and culture. It is also home to the largest cannabis market in the country, with an estimated 1.6 million adults using cannabis in the past 30 days. But which city in New York is smoking more ganja than anywhere else in the state?
New York City: The Cannabis Capital of the World
The answer is New York City, the most populous and iconic city in the state and the nation. According to a study by Seedo, a company that sells devices for growing cannabis at home, New York City consumes more cannabis than any other city in the world, with an average of 62.3 metric tons of weed every year. That’s enough to fill up more than one and a half 18-wheeler trucks, 300 small bathtubs or a backyard pool.
New York City beats out other cannabis-loving domestic and international cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Sydney, Rome and Tokyo, all of which cracked the top 10 in terms of total global consumption despite marijuana being illegal there. New York City also has the highest cannabis prices in the world, with an average of $10.76 per gram, which translates to about $667 million in annual spending on weed.
Why New York City Loves Cannabis
There are many possible reasons why New York City is the cannabis capital of the world. Some of them are:
1.) The city has a large and diverse population of over 8.5 million people, with many different cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. Cannabis can appeal to people from all walks of life, whether they use it for recreational, medical or spiritual purposes.
2.) The city is known for its fast-paced and stressful lifestyle, with high levels of noise, traffic, pollution and competition. Cannabis can offer a way to relax, unwind and cope with the challenges of living in the Big Apple.
3.) The city has a vibrant and creative culture, with many artists, musicians, writers and performers. Cannabis can stimulate creativity, imagination and expression, as well as enhance the appreciation of art and entertainment.
4.) The city has a history of cannabis activism and advocacy, with many groups and individuals fighting for the legalization and regulation of cannabis. The city was also the birthplace of the Marijuana Reform Party, a political party that ran candidates for various offices in the state in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
5.) The city has a progressive and tolerant attitude towards cannabis, with many people accepting and supporting its use. The city has also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and has a regulated medical cannabis program that allows patients with certain conditions to access cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
The Future of Cannabis in New York City
New York City’s love for cannabis is likely to continue and grow in the future, especially after the state legalized adult-use cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older on March 31, 2021. The new law allows people to possess up to three ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of cannabis concentrate, and to grow up to six plants at home for personal use.
The law also establishes a system for the licensing and regulation of cannabis businesses, such as cultivators, processors, distributors, retailers and consumption sites.
The legalization of cannabis in New York is expected to create a huge economic opportunity for the state and the city, with projections of generating up to $4.2 billion in annual sales and $350 million in tax revenue.
The legalization of cannabis is also expected to have positive social and health impacts, such as reducing the racial disparities in cannabis arrests, expunging the records of people with past cannabis convictions, creating jobs and opportunities for communities that have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, and providing more access and choice for consumers and patients.
Conclusion
New York City is the cannabis capital of the world, consuming more weed than any other city in the state and the nation. The city has many reasons to love cannabis, such as its large and diverse population, its stressful and creative lifestyle, its history of activism and advocacy, and its progressive and tolerant attitude.
The city’s cannabis consumption is likely to increase and diversify in the future, as the state has legalized adult-use cannabis and established a framework for the regulation and taxation of the industry. New York City is a place where cannabis culture thrives and flourishes, and where cannabis lovers can find their bliss.