In the US, cannabis is legal in some states but not others, and it is extensively consumed. With the exception of a unique program that permits low-THC cannabis oil for individuals with epilepsy, marijuana is normally illegal in Texas.
Marijuana possession is becoming less of a crime in several Texas cities as a result of growing public support for change. This article will investigate which Texas city, as per a recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has the highest rate of adult marijuana use.
We’ll also talk about possible effects on public health and policy as well as the causes of this city’s excessive marijuana use.
What is Texas’s Marijuana Use Comparing to Other States?
While Texas has a higher adult marijuana use rate than some other states, it is not the highest. A SAMHSA research states that 17.5% of Texans reported using marijuana in the previous year. This is higher than the 11.9% national average.
However, Texas’s percentage is lower than that of certain other states, like Colorado (25.4%), Oregon (29.8%), Massachusetts (26.9%), and Alaska (27.9%). According to the research, 4.6% of Texans satisfy the threshold for marijuana dependency or abuse in the past year, which puts the state’s rate of marijuana-related problems higher than the national average.
Austin: Texas’s Cannabis Capital
According to a SAMHSA analysis based on data from 2019 and 2020, Austin has Texas’s highest rate of adult (18 and older) marijuana use. Compared to the state average of 11.9%, the research indicates that 17.5% of Austin residents used marijuana in the previous year.
Austin, the state capital of Texas and the location of the University of Texas, is well-known for its thriving music and arts scenes, as well as its liberal and progressive culture.
Despite Austin’s 2020 decriminalization of small-scale cannabis possession, marijuana remains illegal on both the state and federal levels. Despite local regulations, users in Austin may still be at danger of being arrested and prosecuted.
What Makes Austin Smoke Cannabis Higher Than Other Cities?
A multitude of reasons may contribute to Austin’s higher marijuana usage rate when compared to other Texas cities. Here are a handful of these:
Characteristics
There are many young folks in Austin, and compared to older adults, they are more likely to consume marijuana. Compared to the state as a whole, where the average age was 35.1 years, Austin’s average population was 33.8 years old in 2019.
According to a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) research, adults in Texas between the ages of 18 and 25 have the highest rate of marijuana usage, with 24.4% of them reporting used the drug in the previous year.
Traditions
Austin is renowned for being a distinct, accepting city that attracts a diverse population. The Austin Reggae Festival, Austin Hemp Fest, and the 420 Smokeout are just a few of the city’s celebrations of marijuana culture.
The city also has a burgeoning cannabis market, complete with numerous shops, delivery services, and advocacy organizations.
Regulation
When it comes to marijuana laws, Austin is ahead of other cities in Texas. A 2020 Austin City Council resolution decriminalizes possession of up to two ounces of marijuana. They instructed the police not to detain or cite anyone for possessing that quantity of money.
A committee was also instructed to investigate the feasibility of legalizing marijuana in the city as part of the decision. It’s crucial to understand, though, that the police are still free to choose to enforce state law in addition to this decision.
To Conclude
According to SAMHSA data, Austin, Texas, has the highest rate of marijuana usage in the state. The city’s policies, culture, and demography could all be contributing reasons to this. But there are dangers and obstacles to public health and safety because of this widespread usage.
Although there is a growing movement in Texas and across the country to legalize marijuana, consumers should be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of the drug. It’s crucial to use the medication sensibly and cautiously.