Florida has legalized medical marijuana but not recreational use. However, consumption rates vary across cities and counties. Orlando stands out as the city with the highest marijuana consumption in Florida, followed by Tampa and Miami.
Orlando: Leading in Weed Consumption
According to a report from Ridgecrest Pact, a non-profit organization promoting drug prevention and education, Orlando tops the list for marijuana consumption in Florida. The report estimates that Orlando residents consumed approximately 15.9 metric tons of marijuana in 2022, equivalent to 35.1 million joints or 97,260 joints per day. This represents 14.3% of Florida’s total marijuana consumption in 2022, which amounted to 111.2 metric tons.
The report also ranks Orlando as the 10th highest city in the US for marijuana consumption, citing factors such as its large population, tourism industry, young and diverse demographics, and proximity to major marijuana suppliers in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Tampa and Miami: Following Closely
Tampa and Miami take the second and third spots for marijuana consumption in Florida. According to the report, Tampa residents smoked about 9.6 metric tons in 2022 (equivalent to 21.2 million joints or 58,082 joints per day), representing 8.6% of Florida’s total consumption. Miami residents consumed approximately 8.9 metric tons (equivalent to 19.7 million joints or 53,973 joints per day), making up 8% of the state’s total consumption.
The report also ranks Tampa as the 18th highest city and Miami as the 20th highest city in the US for marijuana consumption. Factors contributing to their high consumption include large and diverse populations, coastal locations, cultural and entertainment scenes, and connections to international marijuana markets.
The Future of Marijuana in Florida
While recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in Florida, there’s a growing movement to change this. The Regulate Florida initiative, aiming for the 2024 ballot, has gathered over a million valid signatures. If approved, the initiative would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess, use, and grow marijuana, establishing a regulated production and sales system. Additionally, it proposes expunging records of those with prior marijuana convictions and directing tax revenue from marijuana sales to education and health care.
The initiative’s final hurdle is a legal review by the Florida Supreme Court, expected in the next few months. The court will determine if the initiative meets legal requirements for ballot initiatives and aligns with the state constitution, potentially paving the way for marijuana legalization in Florida in 2024.
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