Washington state has once again topped the list of states with the highest percentage of adults who use marijuana, according to a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Marijuana Use in Washington
According to the report, 28.6% of Washington adults aged 18 and older reported using marijuana in the past year, compared to the national average of 18.9%. Washington was followed by Oregon (27.8%), Colorado (27.5%), and Alaska (26.9%). The lowest rates of marijuana use were found in Alabama (9.8%), Mississippi (10.1%), and Tennessee (10.4%)
Washington was also the state with the highest percentage of adults who used marijuana in the past month (19.8%), followed by Oregon (18.7%), Colorado (18.6%), and Alaska (18.1%). The national average was 12.5%
The report also showed that Washington had the highest percentage of adults who had a marijuana use disorder in the past year (4.2%), followed by Oregon (3.9%), Colorado (3.8%), and Alaska (3.7%). The national average was 2.5%
Marijuana Legalization in Washington
Washington was among the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2012, along with Colorado Under state law, adults 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana, or up to 16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solid form, or up to 72 ounces of marijuana-infused products in liquid form. They can also grow up to six plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants if they have a valid medical marijuana authorization
The state also has a regulated system of licensed marijuana producers, processors, and retailers, overseen by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. The state imposes a 37% excise tax on all marijuana sales, in addition to the standard sales tax. The revenue from marijuana taxes is distributed to various funds for health care, education, prevention, research, and public safety
Washington also legalized medical marijuana in 1998, becoming one of the first states to do so Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana authorization from a health care practitioner and register with the state’s medical marijuana database. Registered patients can possess up to three ounces of usable marijuana, or up to 48 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solid form, or up to 216 ounces of marijuana-infused products in liquid form. They can also grow up to six plants for personal use, or up to 15 plants if they are part of a cooperative garden
Marijuana Trends and Impacts in Washington
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2012, Washington has seen a significant increase in marijuana consumption, production, and sales. According to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, the estimated annual marijuana consumption in the state rose from 175 metric tons in 2013 to 225 metric tons in 2017. The estimated annual marijuana production in the state also increased from 90 metric tons in 2013 to 150 metric tons in 2017. The estimated annual marijuana sales in the state grew from $259 million in 2014 to $1.3 billion in 2017
The legalization of recreational marijuana has also had various impacts on public health, safety, and social outcomes in the state. According to the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, the percentage of 10th graders who reported using marijuana in the past 30 days declined from 19.3% in 2012 to 17.1% in 2018. The percentage of 10th graders who reported perceiving great risk from regular marijuana use increased from 45.4% in 2012 to 53.4% in 2018
According to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, the number of fatal crashes involving drivers with THC in their blood increased from 40 in 2010 to 85 in 2017. The percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes who tested positive for THC increased from 8.3% in 2010 to 18.1% in 2017. However, the commission noted that the presence of THC in a driver’s blood does not necessarily indicate impairment, and that other factors such as alcohol, speed, and distraction may also contribute to crashes
According to the Washington State Department of Health, the number of marijuana-related calls to the Washington Poison Center increased from 156 in 2012 to 378 in 2017. The number of marijuana-related hospitalizations increased from 1,486 in 2012 to 2,076 in 2017. The number of marijuana-related emergency department visits increased from 3,344 in 2012 to 6,053 in 2017. The most common reasons for these visits were anxiety, vomiting, psychosis, and accidental ingestion by children
Conclusion
Washington is the state with the highest rate of marijuana use in the country, as well as the state with the most developed and regulated marijuana market. The legalization of recreational marijuana has brought significant economic benefits to the state, as well as some challenges and risks. The state continues to monitor and evaluate the effects of marijuana legalization on various aspects of public health, safety, and well-being.