Vermont is one of the eighteen states in the United States where adult users of marijuana for recreational purposes are permitted. Still, there are differences in the amount of cannabis used in different Vermont cities. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that one Vermont city is the country’s most marijuana-friendly.
Burlington: The Cannabis Capital of the U.S
Based on data from 2019 and 2020, the study ranked 384 U.S. metropolitan regions according to the proportion of residents who reported consuming marijuana within the previous month. According to the findings, 35.5% of Burlington, Vermont residents admitted to smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis within the previous 30 days, making it the city with the highest rate of cannabis use. This is over twice as high as the 16.3% national average.
The University of Vermont is located in Burlington, the state’s largest city, which has a strong history of cannabis advocacy. A non-binding resolution to legalize marijuana at the state level was supported by Burlington voters in 2012. The Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention, a cannabis event, was first held in Burlington, Vermont, in 2018. Additionally, the city council of Burlington decided in 2020 to approve retail marijuana sales inside the municipal limits after the state’s laws were approved.
Why Burlington Adores Marijuana
Burlington’s high cannabis usage rate could be attributed to a variety of variables, including social and environmental ones. Among the possible justifications are:
Burlington’s population is young and progressive, with a median age of 26.7 and a preponderance of Democratic voters. Compared to older, more conservative people, younger, more liberal people are generally more likely to advocate legalizing marijuana and to use it themselves.
Education: Burlington is a college town home to the University of Vermont, Champlain College, and Burlington College, among other universities. Approximately 38% of college students reported using marijuana in the previous month of 2020, making them among the most frequent users.
Climate: The average annual snowfall in Burlington is 81.2 inches, while the average low temperature in January is 10.9°F. The city has a cold and snowy climate. According to certain research, living in colder, darker regions may make people more susceptible to anxiety and despair, which could encourage some people to use cannabis as a kind of self-medication.
Culture: Burlington offers a wide range of artistic, musical, culinary, and entertainment possibilities, resulting in a lively and varied cultural scene. The city is well-known for its live music venues, like the Higher Ground and the Flynn Center, which host national and local performances, including many artists who support cannabis, like Snoop Dogg, Phish, and Wiz Khalifa. Cannabis users who appreciate natural and healthful products may find the city’s numerous organic and vegetarian eateries, farmer’s markets, and craft breweries appealing. The city also has a robust local food movement.
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In Summary
Burlington, Vermont is the most weed-loving city in the U.S., according to a recent report by SAMHSA. The city’s high rate of regular cannabis users may be attributed to factors including its culture, school system, demography, and climate. Cannabis is embraced and celebrated widely in Burlington, a city known for being progressive and innovative. Whether this is a good or bad thing depends on your point of view, but one thing is for sure: Burlington isn’t scared to be environmentally conscious.