Marijuana is widely used in the United States, and its legal status varies across states. In Texas, it’s generally illegal, except for a special program allowing low-THC cannabis oil for epilepsy patients.
Some Texas cities are trying to make marijuana possession less punishable due to increasing public support for reform. This article will look into which Texas city has the highest adult marijuana use, according to a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
We’ll also explore the reasons behind this city’s high marijuana consumption and discuss potential impacts on public health and policy.
How Does Texas Compare to Other States in Terms of Marijuana Use?
Texas has a higher rate of adults using marijuana compared to some states, but it’s not the highest. According to a report by SAMHSA, around 17.5% of people in Texas used marijuana in the past year. This is more than the national average, which is 11.9%.
| State | Marijuana use rate (%) | Marijuana use disorder rate (%) |
| Texas | 17.51 | 4.61 |
| Colorado | 25.41 | 3.92 |
| Oregon | 29.81 | 3.72 |
| Alaska | 27.91 | 3.52 |
| Massachusetts | 26.91 | 3.42 |
But Texas has a lower rate compared to certain other states like Colorado (25.4%), Oregon (29.8%), Alaska (27.9%), and Massachusetts (26.9%). The report also reveals that Texas has a higher rate of marijuana-related issues than the national average, with 4.6% of residents meeting the criteria for dependence or abuse of the drug in the past year.
Read More:Â This City in California is Smoking More Weed Than Anywhere Else in the State
Austin: The Marijuana Capital of Texas
Based on a report from SAMHSA using data from 2019 and 2020, Austin has the highest rate of marijuana use among adults (18 and older) in Texas. The report suggests that 17.5% of Austin residents used marijuana in the past year, while the state average is 11.9%.
Austin, the capital of Texas and home to the University of Texas, is known for its liberal and progressive culture, vibrant music, and arts scene.
Even though Austin decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis in 2020, marijuana is still illegal at the state and federal levels. Users in Austin could face the risk of arrest and prosecution despite local reforms.
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Why is Austin Smoking More Weed Than Other Cities?
Austin’s greater marijuana usage rate compared to other Texas cities could be caused by a number of factors. Among these are a few of them:
Demographics
Austin has a lot of young adults, and they tend to use marijuana more than older adults. In 2019, the average age of people living in Austin was 33.8 years, which is younger than the average age in the whole state, which was 35.1 years.
A report from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) also tells us that in Texas, the highest rate of marijuana use is among adults aged 18 to 25, with 24.4% of them saying they used marijuana in the past year.
Culture
Austin is known for being a unique and open-minded city, with a mix of people from different backgrounds. The city holds various festivals and events that celebrate marijuana culture, like the Austin Reggae Festival, the Austin Hemp Fest, and the 420 Smokeout.
Additionally, there’s a growing cannabis industry in the city, with many stores, delivery services, and advocacy groups.
Policy
Austin is ahead of other Texas cities in how it deals with marijuana. In 2020, the Austin City Council made a decision that makes having up to two ounces of marijuana less serious. They told the police not to arrest or give tickets to people for having that amount.
The decision also asked for a group to look into whether it’s possible to make marijuana legal in the city. But, it’s important to know that this decision doesn’t force the police to follow it, and they can still choose to enforce the state law.
Read More:Â These Towns in the U.S. Have the Most Progressive Cannabis Laws
Conclusion
Austin, Texas, has the highest marijuana use in the state, as reported by SAMHSA. This might be due to factors like the city’s demographics, culture, and policies. However, this high usage poses challenges and risks to public health and safety.
Even though there’s a growing push for marijuana reform in Texas and nationwide, users should be mindful of both the positive and negative effects of cannabis. It’s important to consume the drug responsibly and with caution.
