New York City is the world’s capital of cannabis, according to a new study that ranked the cities by their marijuana use. The study found that New Yorkers consume an average of 62.3 metric tons of cannabis every year, more than any other city in the world. The study also revealed the price, quality, and legality of cannabis in different cities, as well as the demographic and health characteristics of cannabis consumers.
The study, titled the 2023 Cannabis Global Price Index, was conducted by CFAH, a health information resource that provides data and analysis on various health topics. The study used data from the 2017 and 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which is a nationally representative survey of the US population aged 12 and older. The study also used data from various sources, such as government reports, academic studies, and media articles, to estimate the cannabis consumption and price in 140 cities around the world.
The study calculated the prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use for each city, and ranked the cities by their percentage of cannabis consumers. The study also compared the price per gram of cannabis in each city, and categorized the cities by their legal status of cannabis, from fully legal to fully illegal. Additionally, the study analyzed the demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, race, education, and income, of the cannabis consumers in each city, as well as their cannabis use behaviors, such as frequency, quantity, and mode of consumption. Furthermore, the study examined the self-reported health of the cannabis consumers, such as their mental illness, dependence, and treatment.
What the study found
The study found that New York City ranked first among the cities where the most people use cannabis, with 12.6% of the population aged 12 and older who used cannabis in the past year. This percentage was slightly higher than the national average of 12%, and much higher than some of its neighboring cities, such as Philadelphia (9.5%) and Boston (8.7%). The study also found that among the adults with any past 30-day cannabis use, 8.4% reported cannabis-only use, while 91.6% reported cannabis and other substance use.
The study also found that New York City had the fourth most expensive cannabis in the world, with an average price of $12.5 per gram. This price was higher than the national average of $10.4 per gram, and higher than some of its legal competitors, such as Denver ($8.1) and Los Angeles ($8.4). The study also found that New York City had a mixed legal status of cannabis, allowing only medical use of cannabis, but not recreational use. However, the study noted that New York City had decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and that the state had legalized the recreational use of cannabis in 2021.
The study also found that New York City had a diverse and complex cannabis consumer base, with different demographic and health profiles. The study found that cannabis-only users tended to be younger, more educated, and more affluent than cannabis and other substance users. Cannabis-only users also preferred to consume cannabis by smoking, while cannabis and other substance users preferred to consume cannabis by vaping or edibles. Cannabis-only users also had lower rates of past year cannabis dependence and mental illness than cannabis and other substance users. However, both groups of cannabis consumers had similar rates of past year cannabis treatment.
What the study means for New York City and the world
The study provides new insights into the cannabis consumption trends and characteristics of the world’s population, and highlights the prominence and diversity of cannabis use in New York City. The study also shows that New York City faces some challenges and opportunities related to its cannabis consumption, such as the potential health and social impacts, the legal and regulatory aspects, and the economic and cultural implications.
The study suggests that New York City may have to deal with the potential negative consequences of cannabis use, such as impaired driving, addiction, and mental health problems. The study also suggests that New York City may benefit from the potential positive effects of cannabis use, such as pain relief, relaxation, and creativity. The study also suggests that New York City may have to consider the legal and regulatory aspects of cannabis use, as it currently has a mixed legal status of cannabis, allowing only medical use, but not recreational use. The study also suggests that New York City may have a large and diverse market for cannabis products and services, which may attract the attention of the cannabis industry and entrepreneurs. The study also suggests that New York City may have a strong and influential voice in the global debate and movement on cannabis legalization and regulation, as it represents a large and growing segment of the cannabis consumers in the world.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
