Marijuana has been used for different reasons over time, like for medicine, fun, spiritual purposes, and making industrial hemp. However, it can also have negative effects on health and society, like addiction, driving problems, mental issues, and legal troubles.
In this article, we’ll look at Marietta, an Ohio city that uses more marijuana than any other place in the state. We’ll check out the history, culture, economy, and politics of this weed-friendly city and see how it compares to other Ohio and U.S. cities.
We’ll also talk about the good and bad sides of making marijuana legal and what might happen in the future.
The City in Ohio That is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
Marietta, a city in central Ohio with around 60,000 people, stands out as the top spot for marijuana use in the state. It has a long history of involvement in the cannabis industry, starting back in the 1970s when it hosted medical marijuana dispensaries and growers.
Marietta is home to various cannabis-related businesses, including cultivation facilities, processing plants, testing labs, and retail stores.
As of December, 2023, recreational marijuana use became legal in Ohio after voters approved Issue 2 in November 2023. People aged 21 and older can now have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants per household.
However, there are rules about where and how marijuana can be used in public. Smoking it is not allowed indoors in public places or places of employment due to the state’s indoor smoking ban.
How Does Ohio Compare to Other States in Terms of Marijuana Legalization?
Ohio is one of the states where using marijuana for fun is allowed, but it’s not alone. As of December 2023, a total of 18 states and Washington, D.C. have given the green light to recreational marijuana.
However, each state has its own rules on how they handle and tax marijuana. Take Ohio, for instance:
In Ohio, adults who are 21 or older can buy and have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. They can also grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household at home. Other states have different rules on how much marijuana you can have and grow, like California (28 grams), Colorado (8 ounces), Massachusetts (10 ounces), and Oregon (8 ounces).
When it comes to taxes, Ohio puts a 10% tax on marijuana sales. This money is then used for things like covering administrative costs, funding addiction treatment, supporting municipalities with dispensaries, and backing programs for social fairness and jobs in the cannabis industry.
Other states have their own tax rates and systems. For example, Alaska taxes at 20%, California at 15%, Colorado at 10%, Connecticut at 6%, Delaware at 6%, Hawaii at 10%, Illinois at 10%, Maine at 15%, Maryland at 15%, Massachusetts at 20%, Michigan at 10%, Montana at 20%, Nevada at 15%, New Jersey at 10.75%, New Mexico at 10.75%, New York at 8.875%, and Oregon at 7%.
While Ohio is still figuring out how to legally sell marijuana, some states like California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oregon have already set up systems for legal sales.
Read More:
- This City in Florida is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
- This City in California is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
- This Florida City Has Been Named the Drug Overdoses Capital of the State
Final Words
Marietta, a city in Ohio, stands out for having a high rate of marijuana use compared to other places in the state. It has a history deeply connected to the cannabis industry and a culture that sees marijuana as a significant part of its identity.
The city’s economy thrives due to the legal sale and taxation of marijuana, and its political landscape supports the legalization and regulation of marijuana.
However, Marietta faces challenges such as potential health and social risks associated with marijuana use, legal conflicts with the federal government, and competition from other states and cities.
Marietta serves as a unique and interesting example of how marijuana legalization can impact a city and its residents, influencing the future of the cannabis movement in the United States.
