This Nevada City Has the Highest Marijuana Consumption Rate in the America.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that contains psychoactive compounds that can alter the mood, perception, and cognition of the user. Marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Nevada, one of the 18 states in the U.S. that have legalized the substance for adult use However, not all cities in Nevada have the same level of marijuana consumption. According to a recent study, one city in particular stands out as having the highest marijuana consumption rate in the country.

The Study

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, used wastewater samples to estimate the amount of marijuana consumed by residents of different cities in Nevada The researchers collected samples from 14 wastewater treatment plants across the state, covering about 55% of the population, and analyzed them for the presence of THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana

The study found that the average daily marijuana consumption per capita in Nevada was 14.6 milligrams, which is higher than the national average of 9.8 milligrams reported by a similar study in 2019 However, the study also revealed significant variations among different cities in Nevada, ranging from 5.5 milligrams to 26.4 milligrams per capita per day

The City

The city with the highest marijuana consumption rate in Nevada, and in the U.S., was Reno, the third-largest city in the state and the county seat of Washoe County The study estimated that the average daily marijuana consumption per capita in Reno was 26.4 milligrams, which is almost twice the state average and almost three times the national average

The researchers attributed the high consumption rate in Reno to several factors, such as the availability and accessibility of marijuana products, the demographics and preferences of the residents, and the tourism and entertainment industry in the city Reno has 10 licensed dispensaries within its city limits, and another 10 in the surrounding county, offering a variety of marijuana products, such as flower, edibles, concentrates, and vapes.

Reno also has a relatively young and diverse population, with a median age of 38.3 years and a racial composition of 74.5% white, 12.3% Hispanic, 6.3% Asian, 2.7% black, and 4.2% other races. Moreover, Reno is a popular destination for tourists and visitors, who may consume marijuana for recreational purposes. Reno is known for its casinos, hotels, festivals, and outdoor activities, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.

Conclusion

Marijuana consumption is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by various social, economic, and environmental factors. The study by UNLV researchers provides a novel and objective way of measuring and comparing the consumption patterns of different cities in Nevada, and in the U.S.

The study found that Reno has the highest marijuana consumption rate in the country, surpassing the state and national averages by a large margin. The study also suggests that Reno’s high consumption rate is related to its marijuana market, its population characteristics, and its tourism industry. The study has implications for public health, policy, and education, as it can help identify the needs and challenges of different communities regarding marijuana use and regulation.