According to a recent report by the Pew Center, eight out of ten Americans live in counties with at least one marijuana-dispensary. The analysis shows that high concentrations near the borders of states with “less permissive marijuana laws” often “cluster”, indicating that there is a large number of people living in criminalized jurisdictions that cross state boundaries to buy regulated products.
The report highlights the policy gap that exists as states continue to legalize cannabis, despite the fact that it is still illegal at the federal level.
Pew analyzed data from SafeGraph, a market research company, and the U.S. Census Bureau to find that 79 per cent of Americans reside in a county where there is at least one dispensary for medical marijuana or adult-use cannabis.
Pew reported that since Ohio became the newest state to legalize recreational cannabis in November last year, 54 percent reside in a state which allows it. And 74 per cent now live in states where marijuana is legal either for medical or adult use.
California is the only state with more than 3,600 dispensaries, “more than twice the number in the closest state.” 99.5 percent have at least one in their county.
Pew discovered that “in fact, one county in California, Los Angeles County, has more dispensaries (1 481) than any other state except California.”
The analysis concluded that the U.S. has approximately 15,000 dispensaries.
Oklahoma holds the record of most dispensaries for medical marijuana per capita with 36 shops per 100,000 residents.
The report found that 29 percent of border dispensaries are located in states with “less permissive marijuana laws.”
This shows some strategic thinking by the industry. Businesses are attempting to capture out-of-state consumers in places where marijuana is either not available or has restrictive medical programs.
Pew reported that “for example, Indiana has restrictive marijuana laws, but is bordered with multiple states which have legalized it for recreational and medical use.” In fact, residents of one of these states will find over 100 dispensaries located within 20 miles.
The analysis also found that while some people were concerned that early on in the legalization process, that the industry might be overrepresented in low-income neighborhoods, like it has been for liquor stores, that this is not the case.
It said that in four states, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia, where marijuana has been legalized for recreational and medical use, the median annual household income is at least $20,000 less in areas with a high concentration of dispensaries compared to areas in a state with fewer dispensaries. In contrast, in New Hampshire and New York the median household incomes were around $20,000 or more greater when there were many dispensaries compared to areas where there were few dispensaries.
A Gallup survey released in November last year found that national support for legalizing marijuana has reached a record high. Seven out of 10 Americans, including a majority of Republicans and Democrats, now back an end to prohibition.
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The post Eight in Ten Americans Have a Marijuana Retailer In Their County And Shops Cluster Near Borders with Illegal States, Pew Analysis shows first appeared on Marijuana Minute.
