Post by Joanna on Apr 26, 2015 21:43:00 GMT -5
America's Most Stoned
Marijuana use in America is high and getting higher. A 2009 survey revealed that 10.8 percent of Americans admit to at least an occasional toke – up from 10.2 percent just a year earlier. And some states go for the ganga more than others. Those states identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration with above-average levels of pot use are:
17. Delaware. Doobies are popular in Delaware, which kicks off the list of states whose residents really love pot. The “first state” admitted to the union has a pot smoking rate that’s just above the U.S. average. Percentage of Delawareans who smoke pot: 11.86.
16. Hawaii. Maybe it should just change its name to its state abbreviation, HI, given how many citizens of the Aloha State use marijuana. Percentage of Hawaiians who smoke pot: 12.1.
15. Michigan. Are the munchies big in Motown? One thing’s for certain – people in Michigan love their marijuana. And with a doctor’s note, Michiganders can have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to treat diseases and chronic pain. Percentage of Michiganders who smoke pot: 12.16.
14. Montana. Mary Jane is popular in Montana according to SAMHSA’s survey. Do residents ever take a trip to Yellowstone-d National Park? Percentage of Montanans who smoke pot: 12.21.
13. Connecticut. Cannabis is big in Connecticut – but the state doesn’t have any medical marijuana laws on the books. For ranking 13, it’s also the lowest-ranked New England state on the stoned states list. Percentage of those in Connecticut who smoke pot: 12.53.
12. New York. People in the Big Apple smoke bud, even though marijuana is illegal throughout the state – even for medicinal use. According to a recent report by the New York Civil Liberties Union, New York City police arrest and jail more people for marijuana-related offenses than anywhere else – in the world! Why can’t Gotham get enough of ganja? Percentage of New Yorkers who smoke pot: 12.83.
8. Washington. Washington doesn’t mess around when it comes to weed. While most states with medical marijuana laws allow one to three ounces of supply, Washington allows an eye-popping 24 ounces – or a 60 day supply. The 2003 Hempfest in Seattle was the largest rally and festival advocating marijuana drug war reforms in the world. Percentage of Washingtonians who smoke pot: 12.84.
10. California. Despite the national perception that Californians love their cannabis, the state ranked 10th on this list. Still, almost 13 percent of Californians smoke indo, possibly before heading out to In-N-Out burger for munchies. Percent of Californians who smoke pot: 12.88.
9. Maine. People from Maine flock to magic smoke like out-of-towners flock to visit the state nicknamed “Vacationland.” Percentage of Mainers who smoke pot: 13.56.
8. District of Columbia. D.C. isn’t technically a state, but its citizens still dig dope. Do the legislators and lobbyists that debate marijuana’s legalization realize how many smokers live close by? Percentage of Washingtonians who smoke pot: 14.29.
7. Rhode Island. Residents of America’s smallest state can’t get enough reefer according to the survey. Who would have thought such a tiny state would have such a high of a percentage of high people? Percentage of Rhode Islanders who smoke pot: 14.32.
6. Oregon. Is the state’s largest city Portland – or Potland? Like Washington, the state allows up to a 24-ounce supply of medical marijuana and for those hemp horticulturists, Oregonians can grow up to 24 pot plants. Percentage of Oregonians who smoke pot: 14.45.
5. Massachusetts. This “blue” state sure loves its green – and that doesn’t mean the Celtics. Though Massachusetts doesn’t legally allow medical marijuana, its citizens passed the Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative in 2008 which reduced penalties for people caught carrying an ounce or less of pot. Percentage of Bay Staters who smoke pot: 14.55.
4. New Hampshire. Why are there so many stoners in New Hampshire? According to the Justice Department’s National Drug Intelligence Center, New Hampshire’s pot preference is nothing new. A 1997 DOJ survey found marijuana was the state’s drug of choice “even among elementary school age youth.” Perhaps should change its nickname from Granite State to Stoned State! Percentage of people in New Hampshire who smoke pot: 14.88.
3. Colorado. More than 15 percent of Colorado residents are “Rocky Mountain High” these days. Denver’s doobie lovers wear the “Mile High” nickname with pride. Percentage of Coloradans who smoke pot: 15.09.
2. Vermont. Almost 16 percent of Vermonters smoked marijuana during the past year, earning it a spot as the state with the second-most stoners. What else? The band with a big stoner-following, Phish, was formed at the University of Vermont in 1983. Coincidence? Makes you wonder what the founders were smoking when they named their state “Vermont,” which translates to “Mountain of Maggots!”* Percentage of Vermonters who smoke pot: 15.97.
1. Alaska. The “baked Alaska” dessert was actually created in New Orleans, but it makes you wonder. Alaskans smoke the most weed, with more than 16 percent of the population admitting to puffing pot in the past year. Though federal law doesn’t technically allow marijuana, Alaska is the only state in the US where it’s legal to have one ounce or less in one’s home – not even for medicinal purposes. Clank your bongs for a toast, Alaskans, you earned the top spot! Percentage of Alaskans who smoke pot: 16.29.
Source: CBS News.
*Actually, when the state of Vermont was named, the founders were drunk, not stoned. The intended name was "Verdmont," which, in French, means "Green Mountain," but the "d" was somehow omitted and, as stated, the translation of "Vermont" is "Mountain of Maggots."