Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, is a psychoactive substance derived from the Cannabis plant. Cannabis has been used for medicinal, recreational, spiritual, and industrial purposes for thousands of years. However, cannabis is still illegal at the federal level in the United States, and its legal status varies by state and city.
Pennsylvania is one of the states that has legalized medical marijuana, but not recreational marijuana. However, some cities in Pennsylvania have decriminalized the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis, reducing the penalties to a civil fine or a citation. One of these cities is Philadelphia, the largest and most populous city in the state. According to a recent study, Philadelphia is also the city that consumes the most cannabis in Pennsylvania, and ranks among the top 15 cities in the world for cannabis consumption.
Philadelphia’s Cannabis Consumption
The 2023 Cannabis Global Price Index, conducted by Cannabis News, is a study that analyzes the cannabis consumption and prices in 120 cities around the world, using data from the World Health Organization and the UNODC World Drug Reports.
The study found that Philadelphia consumes an average of 10.6 metric tons of cannabis every year, making it the 15th highest cannabis-consuming city in the world, and the 6th highest in the United States. The study also found that Philadelphia has a relatively low cannabis price, with an average of $11 per gram, compared to the global average of $14.6 per gram.
Philadelphia decriminalized the possession and use of up to 30 grams of cannabis in 2014, making it the first major city in Pennsylvania to do so. Since then, other cities in the state, such as Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and York, have followed suit.
However, Philadelphia remains the only city in Pennsylvania that has made it to the top 15 list of the Cannabis Global Price Index. The study suggests that the decriminalization of cannabis in Philadelphia has reduced the stigma and fear associated with cannabis use, and has increased the accessibility and availability of cannabis in the city.
The Benefits and Risks of Cannabis Consumption
Cannabis consumption has been associated with both benefits and risks, depending on the amount, frequency, mode, and purpose of use. Some of the potential benefits of cannabis consumption include:
- Relief of chronic pain, nausea, and spasticity
- Reduction of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms
- Improvement of appetite, sleep, and mood
- Enhancement of creativity, relaxation, and spirituality
Some of the potential risks of cannabis consumption include:
- Impairment of memory, attention, and coordination
- Increase of paranoia, psychosis, and schizophrenia risk
- Dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms
- Respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive problems
Cannabis consumption is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, people with a history of mental illness or substance abuse, and people who operate heavy machinery or drive vehicles. Cannabis consumption should also be done in moderation, and with caution and responsibility.
Conclusion
Philadelphia is the city that smokes more ganja than anywhere else in the state of Pennsylvania, according to the 2023 Cannabis Global Price Index. The study found that Philadelphia consumes an average of 10.6 metric tons of cannabis every year, ranking 15th in the world, and 6th in the United States.
The study also found that Philadelphia has a low cannabis price, with an average of $11 per gram. Philadelphia decriminalized the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis in 2014, which may have contributed to its high cannabis consumption. Cannabis consumption has both benefits and risks, depending on various factors, and should be done with care and awareness.
