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18 Fascinating Marijuana Statistics for 2024

The marijuana industry is evolving with each new day. Marijuana use and prevalence is growing as more states legalize the plant.

Whether its medical marijuana or adult-use

What’s interesting is how broadening acceptance of cannabis impacts trends across the country.

This post breaks down the most interesting marijuana statistics. Let’s spark it up!

1. College students are lighting up

23% of U.S. college students are marijuana users or have used cannabis in the past month. This statistic from Statista reflects a changing cultural attitude towards cannabis among younger generations, indicating a shift in social norms and possibly influencing future legalization and market trends.

2. Millennials lead the way

According to Headset’s comprehensive Demographics Report, millennials aren’t just the age group leading the workforce; they’re also leading cannabis sativa consumption.

Representing 46.2% of the market spend, this demographic’s cannabis use is shaping the industry’s future. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s growing interest signals a dynamic shift, marking them as a key audience for cannabis marketers.

3. Nearly 40% of U.S. adults say “Yes” to cannabis

The cannabis conversation has reached a new high with 39% of U.S. adults admitting to using marijuana. This national survey from Civicscience underscores the broadening acceptance of cannabis across diverse demographics, highlighting the changing perceptions of its use in society.

4. 1 in 3 women smoke weed

A survey by the Harris Poll for MedMen reveals that 37% of American women over 21 are choosing cannabis, primarily for its therapeutic benefits. This insight challenges traditional stereotypes and opens up discussions about the role of medical marijuana and THC in health effects for women.

5. Dispensaries are America’s new neighborhood store

79% of Americans now live within reach of a cannabis dispensary, according to Pew Research. This accessibility not only reflects the widespread effects of marijuana across the U.S. but also highlights the industry’s rapid retail expansion.

There are also more dispensaries than McDonald’s in the U.S. now.

6. Cannabis tax revenues are skyrocketing

States have hit a jackpot, generating over $15 billion in marijuana tax revenue since 2014, as reported by Marijuana Moment. This financial boon underscores the economic potential of the cannabis industry and its impact on state economies.

7. U.S. cannabis market booms

The U.S. cannabis industry is on track to reach an astounding $40 billion by 2024, with projections from Statista suggesting a climb to over $67 billion by 2028. This growth trajectory not only highlights the industry’s robust health but also its significant contribution to the national economy.

8. Cannabis beats alcohol

In a surprising twist, cannabis has begun to outshine alcohol in terms of tax revenue in nine states, a revelation by The Tax Foundation. This shift not only marks a milestone for the mind-altering substance’s acceptance but also reflects its economic viability and potential as a major revenue source for states.

9. Public support for legalization reaches new heights

A record 70% of Americans now support marijuana legalization, according to Gallup. This overwhelming consensus signals a societal shift towards embracing cannabis, influencing policymakers and possibly accelerating legalization efforts nationwide.

10. The emergence of cannabis tourism

Forbes highlights the burgeoning cannabis tourism industry, now valued at over $17 billion in the U.S. This figure underscores the diverse economic opportunities cannabis legalization has opened, from dispensaries to 420-friendly events and accommodations, particularly spotlighting Colorado’s significant contribution.

11. Europeans are on board with weed

Europe is making waves this past year with legalization milestones like the first regulated adult-use cannabis sales taking place in Switzerland, legal cannabis clubs in Malta, and Germany passing legalization.

12. Marijuana for recreational use is legal in 24 US states

As of January 2024, 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have legalized recreational cannabis use for individuals age 21+: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio were added to the list of legal adult-use cannabis states in 2023.

13. Medical marijuana is now legal in 40 US states

Medical use of marijuana is now legal in 40 states plus Washington D.C. for medical purposes: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Kentucky was added to the list of legal medical cannabis states in 2023.

14. 5 states eye adult-use legalization in 2024

After adult-use cannabis was legalized in 3 states in 2023, five more are planning to take cannabis legislation to the polls this year.

Florida, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and South Dakota have a realistic chance to legalize adult-use marijuana this year, according to Marijuana Moment.

15. Medical cannabis legalization could advance in 4 states

The dwindling list of states with absolutely no legal cannabis may grow shorter in 2024. Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin are all moving toward cannabis reform.

We hope to see even more states join this list of legal markets as more consumers and patients will gain access to safe, legal cannabis.

16. Marijuana for recreational use is legal in 24 US states

As of January 2024, 24 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have legalized recreational cannabis use for individuals age 21+: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Delaware, Minnesota, and Ohio were added to the list of legal adult-use cannabis states in 2023.

17. Medical marijuana is now legal in 40 US states

Medical use of marijuana is now legal in 40 states plus Washington D.C. for medical purposes: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Kentucky was added to the list of legal medical cannabis states in 2023.