Pennsylvania is one of the eighteen states in the union where marijuana use for medical purposes is legal but not for recreational use. However, despite this, some residents still use marijuana recreationally, especially in one city that has the highest rate of marijuana use in the state.
The City of Loving Brotherhood
According to a recent US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) research, Philadelphia has the highest rate of marijuana consumption among Pennsylvanian cities. The primary component of marijuana that gives you a high, THC, was measured in wastewater from 50 US cities in 2020.
Philadelphia outperformed the other Pennsylvania cities in the research, with an average of 392 nanograms of THC per liter of wastewater. Second place went to Pittsburgh with 266 nanograms per liter, and Allentown with 211 nanograms per liter.
Why There is Such High Consumption
For a variety of reasons, Philadelphia has a significantly higher rate of marijuana consumption than other Pennsylvanian cities. One of these is that the city decriminalized marijuana possession in 2014.
Currently, possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana is punishable by a $25 fee rather than by going to jail. This may have reduced the stigma and anxiety associated with marijuana use, which in turn may have encouraged more people to use it.
Another impact is the availability and accessibility of marijuana within the city. There is no denying that Philadelphians have a diverse variety of views and cannabis preferences given the city’s large population of many cultures and ethnic groups.
There is a thriving underground marijuana industry in the city as well, with several vendors and delivery services providing a large selection of products and strains. The city’s marijuana supply and demand may increase as a result of its closeness to states where marijuana is legal for recreational use, such as New Jersey and New York.
A third rationale is provided by the social and economic factors that may influence marijuana use in the community. Apart from its abundant historical, cultural, and artistic legacy, Philadelphia is also recognized for its challenges related to poverty, inequality, and criminal activity.
Some people use marijuana as a coping mechanism for pain, stress, worry, or depression. Others use it for artistic expression or relaxation. It’s probable that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues and increased the need for assistance and fleeing the country.
Read More: This Tennessee City Has Been Named the Drug Smuggling Capital of the State
The Consequences and Prospects of Cannabis in the City
The amount of marijuana used in Philadelphia can have positive or negative effects on the city and its citizens. Positively, cannabis may aid in the treatment of medical conditions such as inflammation, nausea, seizures, and spasms.
Additionally, it might improve people’s mood, appetite, and sleep quality. Legalization and regulation of marijuana could generate revenue through taxes, job opportunities, and tourism.
The drawback of marijuana use is that there may be health hazards. It could deteriorate a person’s judgment, coordination, memory, and focus. Additionally, there’s a greater likelihood of developing lung difficulties, mental health disorders, or addiction.
Legally and socially, marijuana use may increase the number of mishaps, violent crimes, and disputes. Users may be subject to legal repercussions, criticism, and prejudice, particularly if they belong to underprivileged or minority groups.
The future of marijuana in Philadelphia will be determined by changes in state and local laws, attitudes, and practices. Pennsylvania is now debating legislation that might legalize marijuana for recreational use or broaden the state’s medical marijuana program.
In Philadelphia, there are organizations and individuals trying to alter public perceptions of marijuana use. However, there are drawbacks as well, such as concerns about public safety, inadequate research, and the federal government’s continued insistence that it’s not acceptable.
Read More: This Pennsylvania City Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
To Conclude
According to a DEA research, marijuana use is highest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, out of all the cities in the state. This could be the result of things like decriminalized marijuana, its accessibility, and the city’s social and economic climate.
The future of marijuana in Philadelphia will rely on how the advantages and disadvantages are balanced, as well as on modifications to state and local regulations, public perceptions, and individual user behavior.