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U.S. States Where Marijuana Consumption Is Skyrocketing

U.S. States Where Marijuana Consumption Is Skyrocketing

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Marijuana has a written history of use that dates back to ancient times, with documented evidence of its use during the time of Emperor Shen Nung in 2800 BCE. Cannabis goes by many names but no matter what you refer to it as – weed, ganja, marijuana, Mary Jane – the dried leaves, stems, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plants are universally recognized as a way to get high because these are what contain the contain mind-altering chemicals including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States and is used in a variety of ways. From hand-rolled cigarettes (also known as joints), pipes, and bongs (water pipes) to various edibles like brownies, cookies, gummies, and other popular foods and drinks enhanced with CBD. Although weed is now legal in many states across the nation, it is still listed as a controlled substance federally, and it is always important to check with the local government where you will be visiting before bringing anything with you.

To find the U.S. states where marijuana consumption is skyrocketing, 24/7 Tempo reviewed preliminary data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (published March 8, 2023, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). States are ranked by the percentage of the population 12 years and older who used marijuana in the past year. All marijuana use data is from the 2021 NSDUH.

The legal status of marijuana use in each state, last updated in February 2024, came from DISA, a third-party administrator of drug and alcohol testing, background screening, and more for employers.

Here are the U.S. states where marijuana consumption is skyrocketing. 

50. Texas

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 12.6% (total: 3,066,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 7.7% — 2nd lowest (total: 1,869,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

49. Alabama

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 12.7% (total: 537,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 7.4% — the lowest (total: 315,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

48. Utah

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 13.3% (total: 361,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 8.9% — 4th lowest (total: 242,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

47. South Dakota

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 13.7% (total: 100,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 8.4% — 3rd lowest (total: 62,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

46. North Carolina

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 13.7% (total: 1,219,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.7% — 7th lowest (total: 857,000)
  • Is it legal?  Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: Yes

45. Nebraska

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 14.4% (total: 233,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.8% — 8th lowest (total: 159,000)
  • Is it legal? –Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: Yes

44. Hawaii

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 14.9% (total: 175,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.4% — 6th lowest (total: 111,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

43. Florida

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.0% (total: 2,805,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 10.7% — 15th lowest (total: 1,996,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

42. Kentucky

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.2% (total: 573,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.9% — 11th lowest (total: 375,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only*; Decriminalized: No

41. Idaho

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.3% (total: 242,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 10.1% — 12th lowest (total: 161,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: No

40. Arkansas

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.6% (total: 393,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.2% — 5th lowest (total: 233,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

39. Mississippi

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.6% (total: 383,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.9% — 22nd lowest (total: 291,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

38. South Carolina

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 15.6% (total: 687,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 10.4% — 13th lowest (total: 456,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: No

37. New Jersey

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 16.3% (total: 1,285,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.7% — 19th lowest (total: 921,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

36. North Dakota

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 16.5% (total: 105,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.9% — 10th lowest (total: 63,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

35. West Virginia

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 16.6% (total: 253,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.8% — 21st lowest (total: 180,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

34. Tennessee

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 16.6% (total: 975,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 9.8% — 9th lowest (total: 579,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

33. Wisconsin

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 16.6% (total: 834,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.1% — 16th lowest (total: 558,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

32. Georgia

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 17.2% (total: 1,546,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.5% — 18th lowest (total: 1,032,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

31. Wyoming

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 17.2% (total: 84,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 10.6% — 14th lowest (total: 51,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: No

30. Pennsylvania

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 17.5% (total: 1,934,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 12.6% — 25th highest (total: 1,395,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

29. Virginia

USA, West Virginia, Meadow River, Gauley River National Recreation Area

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 18.0% (total: 1,304,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 12.1% — 23rd lowest (total: 874,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

28. New Hampshire

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 18.5% (total: 225,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 12.4% — 25th lowest (total: 151,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

27. Minnesota

Minnetonka, Minnesota | Carlson Towers at night

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 18.6% (total: 893,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 12.9% — 24th highest (total: 618,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

26. Missouri

Jefferson City, Missouri | Jefferson City, Missouri, USA

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 18.6% (total: 963,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 14.3% — 18th highest (total: 742,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

25. Indiana

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 18.6% (total: 1,062,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.7% — 20th lowest (total: 668,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

24. Kansas

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.0% (total: 459,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 12.1% — 24th lowest (total: 294,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully illegal: Medicinal use: No; Decriminalized: No

23. Louisiana

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.0% (total: 727,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 13.0% — 23rd highest (total: 497,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

22.

Annapolis, Maryland | Annapolis Skyline

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.1% (total: 988,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 14.0% — 20th highest (total: 724,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

21. Delaware

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.2% (total: 164,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 15.0% — 16th highest (total: 128,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

20. Iowa

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.3% (total: 519,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 11.3% — 17th lowest (total: 303,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: CBD oil only; Decriminalized: No

19. Ohio

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.6% (total: 1,947,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 13.8% — 21st highest (total: 1,370,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

18. Connecticut

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 19.9% (total: 619,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 13.4% — 22nd highest (total: 418,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

17. California

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 20.8% (total: 6,886,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 14.2% — 19th highest (total: 4,704,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

16. Illinois

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 21.0% (total: 2,247,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 14.9% — 17th highest (total: 1,597,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

15. New York

Aerial view of Long Island in New York, USA. It is the westernmost residential and commercial neighborhood of the New York City borough of Queens.

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 21.1% (total: 3,578,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 15.4% — 15th highest (total: 2,601,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

14. Montana

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 21.6% (total: 203,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 15.5% — 14th highest (total: 146,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

13. Arizona

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 21.9% (total: 1,348,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.0% — 10th highest (total: 1,108,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

12. New Mexico

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 22.8% (total: 406,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.0% — 9th highest (total: 321,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

11. Oklahoma

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.2% (total: 794,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 16.6% — 13th highest (total: 546,000)
  • Is it legal? Mixed: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: No

10. Rhode Island

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.2% (total: 229,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 17.5% — 11th highest (total: 166,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

9. Michigan

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.7% (total: 2,118,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.3% — 7th highest (total: 1,570,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

8. Colorado

Colorado | Maroon Bells autumn aspen trees,lake reflections,Aspen Colorado

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.7% (total: 1,217,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.6% — 3rd highest (total: 916,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

7. Nevada

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.8% (total: 659,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.2% — 8th highest (total: 483,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

6. Maine

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 24.8% (total: 298,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.5% — 5th highest (total: 222,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

5. Massachusetts

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 25.6% (total: 1,552,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 17.2% — 12th highest (total: 1,041,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

4. Washington

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 25.9% (total: 1,691,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.3% — 6th highest (total: 1,198,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

3. Alaska

view of downtown fairbanks alaska across frozen chena river on clear winter morning

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 27.0% (total: 158,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 20.9% — 2nd highest (total: 122,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

2. Oregon

Portland, OR | Portland Oregon skyline with Mt. Hood in Autumn

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 28.8% (total: 1,052,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 18.5% — 4th highest (total: 678,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes

1. Vermont

  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past year: 30.8% (total: 175,000)
  • Percentage of population (aged 12+) using Marijuana in past month: 22.3% — the highest (total: 127,000)
  • Is it legal? Fully legal: Medicinal use: Yes; Decriminalized: Yes
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