The best city for cannabis in the United States is Portland Oregon, according to a new survey from the cannabis education platform Leafly Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LFLY) and Real Estate Witch, a publication dedicated to simplifying the real estate industry for consumers.
The new survey released on Monday drew that conclusion based on multiple factors such as cannabis prices, the plant’s legal status and dispensary data.
Portland offers the most affordable prices in the country, according to Leafly and Real Estate Witch. A high-quality ounce of cannabis in Portland costs US$210, which is 34 per cent less than the national average of US$316.
On the other hand, Washington, D.C. stands out as the most expensive destination for cannabis consumers. In the nation’s capital, an ounce of high-quality cannabis comes with a hefty average price tag of US$590, which is 87 per cent higher than the national average.
Top 8 cities for cannabis in the U.S. Photo via Real Estate Witch
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In addition to its affordable cannabis prices, Portland also boasts a significantly higher number of dispensaries compared to the average city. With approximately 13.7 dispensaries per 100,000 residents, Portland has nearly 4.5 times more dispensaries than the national average of 3.1 dispensaries per 100,000 residents.
This means that cannabis consumers in Portland have a wider selection of dispensaries to choose from, providing them with ample options and convenience when it comes to accessing cannabis products.
The abundance of dispensaries in Portland reflects the city’s thriving cannabis culture and industry, offering cannabis enthusiasts a robust market with a diverse range of choices. Whether it’s for medicinal or recreational use, the availability of numerous dispensaries in Portland makes it easier for residents and visitors alike to find the cannabis products they need.
The best and worst cities for cannabis in 2023. Photo via Real Estate Witch
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Despite Portland’s top ranking, the majority of Americans (58 per cent) perceive Los Angeles as the most cannabis-friendly city, with San Diego (45 per cent) and Sacramento (42 per cent) following closely behind.
The study also found that Birmingham Alabama was the worst city for cannabis in the U.S. due to restrictive state laws, 84 per cent less dispensaries than the country’s average cities and a high price for cannabis eight per cent higher than the national average.
Additionally, Baltimore was found to be the most improved city for cannabis, ascending from spot number 25 to spot number five after Maryland’s citizens voted to legalize recreational cannabis last November.
The data for the study was derived from Leafly, Yelp, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and Google Trends.
Leafly’s stock rose by four per cent Tuesday to US$0.40 on the Nasdaq Exchange.
rowan@mugglehead.com
