The controversial topic of marijuana has sparked discussions and arguments all across the world. While some nations have kept strong bans and penalties in place, others have allowed the drug for either medical or recreational use.
States in the US have different legal statuses for marijuana, which results in a patchwork of conflicting and sometimes confusing laws and regulations.
New Jersey, which decided to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2020, is one of the states that has lately joined the group of states that support cannabis.
Which Garden State city, though, is the most passionate about cannabis? The result of a recent study may surprise you in how it answers the question. This article will examine the study’s findings, which included a ranking of 120 global locations according to their annual marijuana use and pricing.
We’ll also examine how legalizing marijuana would affect society, the economy, and the environment. But which New Jersey city is the friendliest to cannabis users?
Newark: the City in New Jersey is the Most Cannabis-friendly
A recent study by Seedo, a company supporting legalized marijuana and producing growing systems, found that Newark leads globally in marijuana consumption. The study, part of the 2023 Cannabis Global Price Index, ranked 120 cities based on their yearly marijuana use and prices.
According to the study, Newark residents use an average of 77.44 metric tons of marijuana annually, making it the highest in the state and the 10th highest globally. The study also estimated the average price of marijuana in Newark to be $11.30 per gram, slightly lower than the national average of $12.
New Britain, Connecticut, is the cheapest city for marijuana in the tri-state area, with an average price of $10.80 per gram. Tokyo, Japan, is the most expensive globally, with an average price of $33 per gram.
The study projected that the average price of cannabis in the U.S. could drop to $5.61 by 2030 as more states legalize the drug and the supply increases. It also suggested that legalization could reduce the black market and associated crime.
Other New Jersey cities with high marijuana demand include Jersey City (ranked 25th globally) with 36.98 metric tons yearly and Trenton (ranked 72nd globally) with 9.21 metric tons yearly.
New York City topped the list globally with an average of 62.3 metric tons of marijuana consumed yearly, surpassing Sydney, Australia, which came in second place. The study used data from sources like the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and local media reports to estimate consumption and prices.
Read More: This City in South Carolina is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
Rules for Marijuana Use in New Jersey
In New Jersey, people who are 21 years old or older can legally use marijuana for both recreational and medical reasons. But, there are some rules to follow:
1. You can buy and have up to 6 ounces of marijuana or 17 grams of hash from licensed stores.
2. You can use marijuana at home or in approved public places.
3. Growing marijuana at home is not allowed unless you’re a registered medical patient or caregiver.
4. Don’t drive under the influence of marijuana, and workplaces can still have rules against using drugs.
5. You can give or share marijuana with other adults, but no money should be involved.
6. If you have a qualifying condition and a doctor’s recommendation, you can use medical marijuana, and you can have up to 3 ounces in a month.
Read More: This City in Oregon is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
To Conclude
As marijuana laws change in the U.S., New Jersey is becoming a leader in embracing cannabis. A recent study found that Newark is the most cannabis-friendly city in the state, ranking 10th globally in yearly consumption. Jersey City also ranked 25th, and Trenton made the list too, showing a significant demand for legal cannabis.
As the state figures out the rules for the newly legal cannabis market, one thing is clear: Newark, with its high cannabis use and affordable prices, is now the cannabis capital of the state.
Whether this leads to more tourism, tax revenue, or other benefits remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – New Jersey’s relationship with cannabis is still unfolding, and the future will be interesting to watch.
