Vermont is one of the 18 states in the U.S. that have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older. However, cannabis consumption varies among cities in Vermont. Based on a recent study conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it has been found that one city in Vermont is considered the most accepting of marijuana use in the entire country.
Burlington: The Cannabis Capital of the U.S.
The study analyzed data from 2019 and 2020 to rank 384 metropolitan areas in the U.S. based on the percentage of people who reported recent marijuana use. According to the findings, Burlington, Vermont had the highest rate of cannabis use, with 35.5% of its residents acknowledging their consumption of marijuana through smoking, vaping, or ingestion within the past 30 days. This is more than double the national average of 16.3%.
Burlington, the largest city in Vermont and the home of the University of Vermont, has a rich history of cannabis culture and activism. In 2012, Burlington voters approved a non-binding resolution to legalize marijuana at the state level. In 2018, Burlington had the honor of being the inaugural city in Vermont to host the Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention, a cannabis festival. In 2020, Burlington’s city council made the decision to permit retail marijuana sales within the city limits, pending the finalization of state regulations.
Why Burlington Embraces Cannabis?
There are numerous factors that contribute to Burlington’s high rate of cannabis use, spanning from social to environmental influences. Here are a few possible explanations:
Burlington boasts a youthful and forward-thinking population, with a median age of 26.7 and a majority of voters aligned with the Democratic party. Support for marijuana legalization and cannabis use tends to be higher among younger and more liberal individuals compared to older and more conservative individuals.
Burlington is known for its vibrant college scene, with a variety of esteemed higher education institutions such as the University of Vermont, Champlain College, and Burlington College. In 2020, around 38% of college students reported using marijuana in the past month, making them one of the highest user groups.
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Climate: Burlington has a cold and snowy climate, with an average annual snowfall of 81.2 inches and an average low temperature of 10.9°F in January. Research indicates that individuals living in colder and darker climates may have a higher likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety. Consequently, some individuals in these regions may resort to self-medicating with cannabis.
Burlington boasts a lively and diverse cultural scene, offering a wide range of music, art, food, and entertainment choices. The city is known for its live music venues, such as the Higher Ground and the Flynn Center, which host local and national acts, including many cannabis-friendly artists, such as Phish, Wiz Khalifa, and Snoop Dogg. The city is home to a vibrant local food scene, featuring a variety of organic and vegetarian restaurants, farmers markets, and craft breweries. This can be particularly appealing to cannabis users who prioritize natural and healthy options.
Conclusion
According to a recent study by SAMHSA, Burlington, Vermont has been identified as the city in the U.S. with the highest affinity for marijuana. The city has a significant number of individuals who regularly use cannabis, possibly due to factors such as demographics, education, climate, and culture. Burlington has a reputation for being a progressive and creative city, where cannabis is widely accepted and celebrated. Whether this is viewed as positive or negative is subjective, but it is clear that Burlington embraces environmental consciousness.
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