Washington state is the most prolific marijuana user in the United States. According to a recent poll, the state has outperformed the nation in marijuana usage, demonstrating a persistent and long-lasting trend.
As we investigate the reasons that contribute to this distinction, it becomes clear that Washington’s acceptance of legalized marijuana has generated a rich culture surrounding its use. This information throws light on the changing environment of marijuana acceptance and usage, putting Washington at the forefront of this emerging facet of American society.
Marijuana Use in Washington
According to the research, 28.6% of Washington people aged 18 and up reported consuming marijuana in the previous year, compared to 18.9% nationally. Oregon (27.8%), Colorado (27.5%), and Alaska (26.9%) followed Washington. Alabama (9.8%), Mississippi (10.1%), and Tennessee (10.4%) had the lowest rates of marijuana usage.
Washington also had the largest percentage of adults (19.8%) who had used marijuana in the previous month, followed by Oregon (18.7%), Colorado (18.6%), and Alaska (18.1%). 12.5% was the national average.
According to the survey, Washington had the greatest percentage of adults (4.2%) who had a marijuana use disorder in the previous year, followed by Oregon (3.9%), Colorado (3.8%), and Alaska (3.7%). 2.5% was the national average.
Washington’s Marijuana Laws and Regulations
Washington, along with Colorado, was among the first states to allow recreational marijuana usage in 2012. Adults 21 and older are permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused goods in solid form, or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused products in liquid form, according to state law.
They can also cultivate up to six plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants if they have a valid medical marijuana license.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board also oversees a controlled system of licensed marijuana producers, processors, and merchants. In addition to the usual sales tax, the state levies a 37% excise tax on all marijuana purchases. Marijuana tax money is allocated to several programs for health care, education, prevention, research, and public safety.
Washington also became one of the first states to approve medicinal marijuana in 1998. Patients with qualifying ailments can get a medicinal marijuana recommendation from their doctor and register in the state’s medical marijuana registry.
Registered patients may possess up to three ounces of useable marijuana, 48 ounces of marijuana-infused solid items, or 216 ounces of marijuana-infused liquid products. They can also cultivate up to six plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants in a communal garden.
Washington Marijuana Developments and Effects
Washington has witnessed a huge growth in marijuana usage, production, and sales since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy estimates that the state’s annual marijuana usage increased from 175 metric tons in 2013 to 225 metric tons in 2017.
The state’s anticipated yearly marijuana output climbed from 90 metric tons in 2013 to 150 metric tons in 2017. Annual marijuana sales in the state increased from $259 million in 2014 to $1.3 billion in 2017.
The legalization of recreational marijuana has also had a variety of effects on the state’s public health, safety, and social results.
According to the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, the percentage of 10th graders who used marijuana in the previous 30 days fell from 19.3% in 2012 to 17.1% in 2018. The percentage of 10th graders who said frequent marijuana usage posed a high danger grew from 45.4% in 2012 to 53.4% in 2018.
The number of fatal collisions involving drivers with THC in their blood climbed from 40 in 2010 to 85 in 2017, according to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. The percentage of drivers who tested positive for THC in fatal collisions climbed from 8.3% in 2010 to 18.1% in 2017.
The commission did highlight, however, that the presence of THC in a driver’s blood does not always imply impairment, and that other factors such as alcohol, speed, and attention may also play a role in collisions.
The number of marijuana-related calls to the Washington Poison Center climbed from 156 in 2012 to 378 in 2017, according to the Washington State Department of Health. From 1,486 in 2012 to 2,076 in 2017, the number of marijuana-related hospitalizations rose.
Marijuana-related emergency room visits jumped from 3,344 in 2012 to 6,053 in 2017. Anxiety, vomiting, psychosis, and unintentional ingestion by children were the most prevalent reasons for these visits.