Tennessee is among the few states in the US that forbids the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes. Still, some of its residents continue to use marijuana, especially in one city that has the highest marijuana usage rate in the state.
Concerning Memphis
A report on marijuana use in Tennessee was released by the nationwide cannabis store network Verilife. Memphis is the state’s top consumer, according to the research, with an estimated 77.9 metric tons (or 171,800 pounds or 77.9 million grams) consumed year.
In Memphis, an individual smokes 0.26 grams of marijuana per day, or 7.7 grams per month on average. Memphis comes in eighth place among the cities in the US with the highest cannabis consumption, behind New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.
Memphis, along with Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Franklin, are the leading cities in Tennessee for cannabis usage.
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Memphis Has More Marijuana Users Than Any Other Tennessee City
Memphis is the marijuana-smoking capital of Tennessee for a few reasons. First off, with a metropolitan population of nearly 1.3 million, Memphis is the second most populated city in the state. Greater population density in a city results in increased demand and supply for cannabis.
Memphis has a more tolerant attitude about marijuana than other Tennessee communities, which is another factor. Memphis enacted a statute in 2016 that turned possessing up to half an ounce of marijuana into a civil infraction punishable by a $50 fine or community service in lieu of jail time.
Last but not least, Memphis boasts a resilient and diverse community that is heavily represented by African Americans, Hispanics, and immigrants. These groups may have differing opinions about marijuana and use it for diverse purposes, such as socializing or overcoming obstacles like discrimination or poverty.
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The Prospects for Cannabis Use in Tennessee
Tennessee maintains tight laws on marijuana, despite the fact that many individuals in Memphis and other cities use a lot of it.
Only a small number of individuals with severe epilepsy are permitted to consume marijuana in the state, and even then, only low-THC cannabis oil is permitted. Programs for hemp, medical marijuana, or recreational marijuana are not available in Tennessee.
Nonetheless, supporters of marijuana in Tennessee have some hope. A proposal to legalize medical marijuana in 2021 was made by the state government for people suffering from chronic pain, HIV, cancer, and PTSD.
The state would be able to grow, process, distribute, and impose taxes on medical marijuana if this plan is approved into law. Republicans and Democrats alike, as well as the general public, are beginning to endorse the initiative, which has not yet become law.
In 2021, there was another proposal that suggested relaxing the laws if someone possessed less than one ounce of marijuana. Rather than receiving a severe penalty, they would be required to perform 10 hours of community service or pay a $50 fee.
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To Conclude
As more states across the country legalize marijuana for either medical or recreational purposes, Tennessee may face increasing pressure to follow suit. Memphis and other Tennessee cities are still the top marijuana-smoking cities in the state for the time being, but it’s unclear if that will change.
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