Many people use cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed. It’s a popular drug worldwide, with around 190 million users in 2019, according to the United Nations. People use it a lot, almost as much as alcohol and tobacco.
In the U.S., some states allow medical use, and others let people use it for fun in certain places. But nationally, it’s still not legal, which makes things complicated for both the cannabis business and users.
A study called the 2023 Cannabis Price Index looked at 120 cities worldwide to find out which U.S. city uses the most weed. They’re trying to understand why people in that city use so much.
Miami’s Sky-High Weed Consumption and Prices
Miami, Florida, uses the most weed in the U.S. In 2023, people in Miami consumed about 29.7 metric tons of weed. That’s like 65,477 pounds or 29.7 million grams. On average, each person in Miami used about 10.8 grams per year or just a little bit every day.
Miami is also one of the most expensive cities to buy weed in the country. The average price for a gram of weed there is about $17.03, which is more than double the national average of $8.37.
Compared to the cheapest place, Portland, Oregon, where a gram costs around $4.11, Miami’s prices are way higher. This could be because a lot of people want it, there isn’t much available, there are legal risks, or maybe the quality is better.
Why Miami Uses So Much Weed?
Weather and Lifestyle: Miami’s warm weather and lively culture might make it more attractive for people to use weed. The city’s mix of different cultures could also shape attitudes toward cannabis.
Medical Marijuana: In 2016, Florida made medical marijuana legal. Miami has lots of registered patients and dispensaries, making it easier for people to access marijuana for health reasons like pain or anxiety.
Recreational Use: Even though using weed for fun isn’t legal in Florida, there’s growing support for it in Miami. Laws are changing, showing that more people are okay with using weed without worrying too much about getting in trouble.
Black Market: Even with legal changes, illegal weed sales still happen in Miami. The city is known for illegal drug trade, offering cheaper or stronger products outside of the legal system, especially for people who want it for fun rather than medical reasons.
Miami Takes the Lead in Weed Consumption
According to the 2023 Cannabis Price Index, Miami, FL consumed more marijuana than any other city in the United States in 2023. They utilized a lot—approximately 29.7 metric tons.
Miami’s high weed use and high prices are due to several factors, including the city’s weather and culture, the medical marijuana program, the campaign for legalizing recreational marijuana use, and the illegal weed market. Miami highlights how various and complex marijuana use can be, much like the city itself.