Wyoming is still one of the few states in the union that opposes the legalization of marijuana in any form, including for medical use. This does not, however, imply that people in the Cowboy State do not use cannabis. According to a recent research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), marijuana consumption is highest in one particular city in Wyoming than anywhere else.
The Study
Based on estimates from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health for 2018 and 2019, the study assessed the amount of marijuana used per 10,000 people in all 50 states who were 12 years of age or older. The report presented aggregate data for each state, taking into account usage in the previous year, month, and starting use within the previous 24 months.
With 1,150 users per 10,000 persons, or 67,000 users, Wyoming placed 47th nationally in terms of marijuana use in the previous year, according to the research. The state ranked 48th in the last month with 39,000 users, or 664 users per 10,000 people. Wyoming came up at number 44 for the first-time use of marijuana in the previous 24 months, with 7,000 users, or 114 users per 10,000 persons.
The City
The largest and capital of Wyoming, Cheyenne, was found to have the greatest marijuana usage in the state. Even though Wyoming has relatively low overall marijuana usage rates, nearly half of the state’s marijuana users reside in Cheyenne, home to about 64,000 people.
According to the research, Cheyenne recorded 10,000 marijuana users in the previous year, or 1,562 users per 10,000 individuals. The city reported 902 users per 10,000 residents over the previous month, or 6,000 users. With 149 users per 10,000 persons, or 1,000 users, Cheyenne scored top for first-time marijuana users during the previous 24 months.
The Reasons
Cheyenne has a higher rate of marijuana use than the rest of the state for a number of reasons. The city’s closeness to the Colorado border, where marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal uses, provides one logical rationale. Cheyenne residents might be traveling across the border to lawfully purchase or consume marijuana, or they might be smuggling it back into Wyoming.
Furthermore, Cheyenne’s urban and varied population may have an impact on the city’s societal and cultural perceptions on marijuana. The population of the city is more likely to be young, ethnic minorities, and college graduates—groups that often have more positive opinions on marijuana.
Cheyenne’s past social issue progressivism is a third element. Even if the decriminalization of marijuana ordinance was eventually rejected in 2023, it demonstrated the city’s openness to consider other options when it came to marijuana-related issues.
The Implications
The fact that Cheyenne is the state leader in marijuana use has consequences for the city and the state of Wyoming. On the one hand, it might represent the progressive attitude of the city and its support for the nationwide legalization of marijuana. However, given Wyoming’s strong anti-marijuana legislation, it might put the city in danger legally and health-wise and possibly cause problems with the state government.
The SAMHSA report could spark debates about Wyoming’s marijuana laws because there is clearly a market for the drug despite its illegality. The results might be used by proponents to push for changes like medical marijuana, lighter penalties, or even outright legalization. On the other hand, detractors can use the study to justify stricter enforcement. In the end, the study’s influence extends to public opinion and could sway lawmakers’ and citizens’ political decisions, either bringing about changes in Wyoming’s marijuana laws or keeping things as they are.
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