Pennsylvania is one of the eighteen states in the United States where medical marijuana use is permitted but not recreational use. Nonetheless, some locals continue to use marijuana recreationally in spite of this, particularly in one city with the highest prevalence of marijuana use in the state.
The City of Brotherly Love
A recent study by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that Philadelphia, among cities in Pennsylvania, has the highest marijuana use. The study looked at THC levels (the main substance that makes you high in marijuana) in wastewater from 50 US cities in 2020.
The findings revealed that Philadelphia had an average of 392 nanograms of THC per liter of wastewater, topping other Pennsylvania cities in the study. Pittsburgh came second with 266 nanograms per liter, and Allentown followed with 211 nanograms per liter.
The Reasons Behind the High Consumption
When compared to other Pennsylvanian cities, Philadelphia has a notably higher rate of marijuana consumption for a number of reasons. One of them is that since 2014, marijuana possession has been decriminalized in the city.
As of right now, a person found in possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana faces a $25 fine rather than a criminal prosecution. This might have encouraged more people to smoke marijuana by lowering the stigma and anxiety attached to it.
The accessibility and availability of marijuana in the city is another factor. With so many distinct cultures and ethnicities living in Philadelphia, there is no doubt that people there have a wide range of opinions and preferences when it comes to cannabis.
The city is also home to a robust black market for marijuana, with numerous suppliers and delivery services offering a wide range of goods and strains. The city’s proximity to states like New Jersey and New York, which have legalized marijuana for recreational use, may also raise the city’s marijuana supply and demand.
The social and economic elements that could affect marijuana use in the city provide a third justification. In addition to its rich history, culture, and artistic heritage, Philadelphia is well-known for its problems with inequality, poverty, and crime.
Some people use marijuana for creative expression, relaxation, or as a means of coping with pain, stress, anxiety, or sadness. It’s possible that the COVID-19 epidemic made these problems worse and raised the demand for help and escape.
The Implications and Future of Marijuana in the City
In Philadelphia, how much people use weed can be good or bad for the city and its residents. On the positive side, weed might help with medical issues like reducing inflammation, nausea, seizures, and spasms.
It could also make people feel better by improving their appetite, mood, and sleep. If weed becomes legal and controlled, it could bring in money through taxes, create jobs, and attract tourists.
On the negative side, using weed might have health risks. It could make people’s memory, attention, coordination, and judgment worse. There’s also a higher chance of getting addicted, having mental health problems, or lung issues.
Socially and legally, using weed might lead to more accidents, violence, and conflicts. People who use it might face criminal penalties, judgment, and discrimination, especially if they’re from minority or low-income groups.
What happens with weed in Philadelphia will depend on how laws, attitudes, and behaviors change in the city and the state. Right now, there are laws being discussed in Pennsylvania that might make recreational weed legal or expand the medical marijuana program.
There are groups and people in Philadelphia working to change how people see and use weed. But there are also challenges, like the federal government still saying it’s not okay, not enough research, and worries about public safety.
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Conclusion
Philadelphia, located in Pennsylvania, has the highest marijuana use in the state, as per a DEA study. This might be because of factors like marijuana being decriminalized, easy to find and get, and influenced by social and economic conditions in the city.
The future of marijuana in Philadelphia depends on how the benefits and risks are weighed, along with changes in laws, attitudes, and behaviors at both the city and state levels.
