New York City is famous for various reasons, such as its recognizable skyline, diverse culture, lively nightlife, and widespread use of marijuana. A recent study by Seedo, a company supporting marijuana legalization and producing growing systems, found that New York City consumes more marijuana than any other city globally, and the difference is substantial.
New York City is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
According to a study using data from the United Nations World Drug Report 2017 and the latest population data, it was estimated that New Yorkers consumed 77.44 tons of marijuana in 2017.
To put it in perspective, that’s equivalent to the weight of 13 average-sized African elephants or 156 grand pianos.
This consumption is nearly double the amount in the second-largest weed-smoking city globally, Karachi in Pakistan, where around 41.95 tons were used the previous year.
New York City also stands out for having a high marijuana price, averaging $12 per gram. This is more than twice the price in Montreal, Canada, the cheapest place globally at $5.90 per gram. It’s also pricier than Portland, Oregon, where a gram costs about $7, the cheapest in the U.S.
The study also considered potential revenue if cities legalized and taxed marijuana similarly to cigarettes. New York City could have generated an extra $354.5 million last year, ranking second globally, just behind Cairo, Egypt, which could have made $384.6 million.
This study coincides with the ongoing debate on marijuana legalization in New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was previously against legalization, now suggests a study to assess the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana.
Some lawmakers and activists support legalization, emphasizing potential benefits for the economy, public health, and social justice.
Read More: This City in New Jersey is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
Other US Cities to Consume More Weed
Other cities in the United States join New York City in their use of cannabis. According to the study, Los Angeles, the second most marijuana-friendly city in the U.S., consumed 36.6 tons of marijuana last year. Chicago followed with 24.54 tons, and Houston with 20.89 tons.
The study also listed the top 10 countries where people smoke the most weed. The United States leads the list, using 634.27 tons, followed by India with 38.26 tons, and Nigeria with 20.82 tons.
Some surprising facts about the global marijuana market came out in the study. For example, Tokyo has the most expensive marijuana worldwide, costing about $33 per gram. Additionally, cannabis is illegal in all of the top 10 weed-smoking countries, except for Canada, which legalized it in 2018.
Read More: Cannabis Coronation: Discover the Parish That Tops the Weed Charts in Louisiana
To Conclude
In conclusion, the high consumption of marijuana in New York City shows that cannabis is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, even though it’s currently illegal. Seedo’s study not only provides interesting global trends but also sparks a debate on whether to legalize marijuana in New York.
Supporters of legalization highlight potential economic benefits, such as over $350 million in tax revenue and the creation of jobs, which could replace the illegal marijuana trade with a responsible industry.
There’s also the possibility of using tax revenue for public services, addiction treatment programs, and educational campaigns, addressing public health concerns. Social justice advocates argue that legalization could reduce the disproportionate impact of marijuana criminalization on minority communities.
However, there are concerns about increased access, potential health risks for adolescents, the resilience of the black market, and doubts about the effectiveness of regulations.
Ultimately, the decision rests with policymakers, and Seedo’s study adds an important perspective to the broader discussion on legalization. Whether New York City will embrace its reputation as the “weed capital” is uncertain, but it’s clear that the conversation has reached a crucial turning point.
