Cannabis consumption in the United States: the states that smoke the most

With 26 states having legalized medical cannabis in the United States, 4 states having legalized recreational cannabis, and at least 3 states set to vote on full cannabis legalization in November, statistics on legal cannabis use are beginning to pile up. Here are the 12 U.S. States with the Highest Cannabis Consumption.

12th: California

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 14.9%
• Total number of users: 4.6 million, which is actually the largest in terms of numbers, but the state’s 38 million residents are the reason for this
• Maximum fine for possession: 500$

California was the first state to legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Proposition 215 passed with 56% of the votes in 1996 and removed criminal charges for cannabis possession. Today, Californians with a medical prescription may possess up to 224 grams of cannabis, six flowering plants, and twelve growing plants. Prescriptions are issued, among other things, to treat anorexia, arthritis, chronic pain, AIDS-related symptoms, cancer, epilepsy, and more.

11th: Michigan

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 15.6%
• Total number of users: 1.3 million
• Maximum fine for possession: 2000$

Michigan is one of nine states where more than 1 million people have used cannabis in the past 12 months. In 2008, Michigan passed the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act which allow residents with debilitating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or epilepsy to legally use cannabis.

For people without a prescription, possession is punishable by a fine of up to 2000$ and one year in prison. However, some cities, such as Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, have more lenient laws.

10th: New Mexico

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 15.6%
• Total number of users: 267,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 5000$

Some cannabis users in New Mexico use it for medical purposes. New Mexico decriminalized the use and possession of medical cannabis in 2007. Medical use has been approved for people suffering from cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS, among other conditions. According to the Department of Health, there has been high demand in recent years to enroll in the Medical Program, resulting in some delays in issuing authorizations. As a result, some seriously ill patients are forced to turn to the black market.

Despite the fact that cannabis is certainly used in the state, the perception that cannabis use carries a high risk is relatively high, unlike in other states where use is widespread. 27% of residents believe that smoking marijuana at least once a month is very risky, which is ultimately in line with the national discourse.

9th: New Hampshire

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 17.1%
• Total number of users: 194,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 2000$

Since the signing in 2003 of the House Bill 2013, state residents with serious medical conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or muscular dystrophy) may use cannabis legally. For those who do not qualify for medical use, possession of cannabis is punishable by a fine of 2000$ and one year in prison.

Laws designed to deter cannabis use are not very effective there. It is the only state in New England (the northwestern United States) that has not decriminalized possession, and yet it is one of the states with the highest rates of cannabis use.

8th: Massachusetts

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 17.6%
• Total number of users: 989,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 100$

Nearly 18% of Massachusetts residents have used cannabis in the past 12 months. This use is partly due to a low perception of the risks associated with cannabis. Only 20% of people believe that marijuana is associated with serious health problems, one of the lowest percentages in the country.

Consumers also face very little risk. Possession is decriminalized, and the maximum fine for less than 28 grams is 100$. For amounts exceeding that, criminal charges may be brought, resulting in heavier fines or prison time.

7th: Rhode Island

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 18.7%
• Total number of users: 170,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 500$

Cannabis use is relatively common in the state of Rhode Island. Since 2006, people with cancer, HIV, or hepatitis have been allowed to possess up to 70 grams of cannabis. Compassionate care centers have been authorized since 2009.

Without a prescription, residents face a fine of 500$ and up to one year in prison.

6th: Maine

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 19.4%
• Total number of users: 224,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 20,000$

People with epilepsy or post-traumatic stress disorder have been able to legally possess, grow, and use cannabis since 1999. Even without a prescription, residents can possess up to 70 grams of cannabis without facing criminal charges. The maximum fine for possession is 20,000$ for those found with more than 560 grams, and they face up to 10 years in prison.

5th: Washington

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 19.5%
• Total number of users: 1.1 million
• Maximum fine for possession: 10,000$

Adult residents of Washington State voted in favor of Initiative 502 in 2012, which allows the state to regulate the sale of recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis had been legal since 1998. The high percentage of users is partly due to the policy cannabis-friendly of the government.

Legalization has been relatively lucrative for the state, generating 210 million $ in taxes on recreational cannabis over the past few years. Unlike in Colorado, where the campaign for legalization relied heavily on cannabis use, Washington’s campaign called for a legal and regulated market—not because cannabis was safe, but because it was dangerous.

4th: Alaska

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 19.5%
• Total number of users: 108,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 50,000$

There are quite a few first-time users in Alaska: 6% of the 108,000 people have used cannabis in the past year. The state is one of four that have legalized cannabis possession. Adults over the age of 21 may possess up to 28 grams and grow six plants. However, those found with more than 112 grams face up to five years in prison and a fine of 50,000$.

3rd: Vermont

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 19.8%
• Total number of users: 108,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 500,000$

Like all the states on this list, Vermont has legalized the medical use of cannabis. In a report commissioned by the state, the figures showed that Vermont residents spent 225 million $ on cannabis in 2014. The report makes a case in favor of legalization.

Currently, possession of less than 28g of marijuana in Vermont is punishable by a fine of 200$. For amounts over 280 grams, the fine increases to 500,000$.

2nd: Oregon

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 19.9%
• Total number of users: 989,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 6 250$

One in five people in Oregon has smoked cannabis in the past 12 months. Oregon has legalized recreational cannabis use. Residents may possess up to 224 grams of cannabis and grow four plants at home. However, it is illegal to carry more than 28g in public. People caught with more than 112 face up to one year in prison and a fine of 6,250$.

1st: Colorado

• Percentage of cannabis use in the past year: 21.6%
• Total number of users: 909,000
• Maximum fine for possession: 100,000$

Unsurprisingly, Colorado is the state where residents’ consumption is highest. Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis use. The path to legalization dates back to 2005, when the city of Denver stopped prosecuting people for cannabis possession. Led by Mason Tvert, the nonprofit advocacy group Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) played a major role in changing Colorado’s laws. The group sought to educate the public about the facts surrounding cannabis, particularly that it is less harmful than alcohol.

Residents over the age of 21 may possess 28 grams of cannabis. Colorado generated 135 million $ in cannabis taxes in 2015.

Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)