Has the Legalization of Marijuana on the State Level Increased Its Use?

Whether the legalization of marijuana on the state level has led to an increase in its use is a topic of considerable debate. On one hand, some argue that legalizing marijuana makes it more accessible and thereby increases its consumption. On the other hand, others claim that, while people have long used marijuana, its mainstream acceptance and availability do not necessarily correlate with a significant increase in usage.

The Current State of Marijuana Use

Consider the situation in Michigan, where marijuana is now legal, but its use is limited due to various factors. For instance, individuals like me, who are concerned about drug tests at work or safety in public places, may be less inclined to use it even after legalization. These concerns highlight the real-life challenges and uncertainties that people face in adopting legal marijuana.

I, for one, do not feel that my marijuana use has increased since it became legal. I don’t smoke more now than I did when it was illegal. In a way, the ease of access and the newfound freedom to use it have not significantly altered my behavior.

Regional Variations

However, the increase in marijuana use varies by region. In areas where marijuana has traditionally been hard to come by and strictly controlled, its legalization has led to a notable increase in consumption. For example, being able to purchase marijuana at a local dispensary can make it much more accessible for those who were previously deterred by illegality.

Initial attempts to use marijuana after its legalization may draw from the novelty factor. Many individuals will take an interest out of curiosity and then may find that they are not interested in continuing its use. So, while there may be a short-term spike in usage, it often wanes as the novelty wears off and reality sets in.

Significant Increases in Usage

However, there is evidence to suggest that marijuana use has indeed increased in many states following legalization. For example, in Colorado, since the legalization of recreational marijuana, usage rates have seen a significant increase. Over a period of about ten years, the number of individuals using cannabis increased by 20% year over year. Similar trends have also been observed in other states and provinces that have legalized marijuana.

One reason for this increase could be the transformation of the market. As marijuana became legal, users transitioned from the black market to the legal market, driven by the convenience and reduced risks associated with the latter. The maturation of the legal market has also led to a decrease in prices, making it more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Visible Impacts and Social Changes

The legalization of marijuana has led to visible changes in society. For instance, a neighbor smoking in the front yard in public areas can now be common, and people may notice the smell of marijuana more frequently, especially in urban areas or tourist districts.

Additionally, there is a significant number of people who use marijuana from the black market, which makes it challenging to accurately track the total usage. As more states and countries legalize marijuana, we can expect these trends to continue and potentially grow in the coming years.

In summary, while some individuals have not seen an increase in their marijuana use, there is evidence that legalization has led to significant increases in usage in certain regions. As the market continues to evolve, it is likely that more people will begin to use marijuana legally, driven by the convenience and social acceptance that comes with legalization.