Thedailymiaminews– Ohio has recently become one of the states that has legalized recreational marijuana, but the amount of cannabis consumed in various counties differs. Athens County has a high rate of marijuana users, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In this conversation, we explore the reasons why Athens County has the highest rate of cannabis usage in Ohio and what this means for both the county and the state.
The Numbers
According to SAMHSA data from 2018 to 2020, Athens County has the greatest percentage of adults aged 18 and older who have used marijuana in the past year, with 23.9% of adults reporting marijuana use. This number is more than double the state average of 11.4% and above the national average of 18.1%. Furthermore, Athens County has the highest percentage of marijuana use disorder, with 5.4% of adults matching the criteria. This is higher than the statewide rate of 2.3% and the national rate of 2.8%.
The Explanations
Athens County’s high rate of cannabis use can be attributed to a number of factors:
- College Town: Athens County, which is home to Ohio University, is a college town that has a large student population. This population is known to use marijuana for a variety of reasons, including recreational and academic objectives.
- Liberal Politics: Athens County’s progressive position, which is shown by efforts such as the decriminalization of marijuana possession and support for legalization, promotes a culture that is accepting of cannabis.
- Rural Setting: Athens County is located in the Appalachian region of southern Ohio. Because rural areas generally have higher rates of marijuana use, the rural landscape of Athens County may be a contributing factor to the increased consumption of marijuana.
The consequences
The high rate of marijuana use in Athens County has both positive and negative consequences:
- Economic Benefits: Legalization could strengthen the county’s economy by increasing tax income, creating job possibilities, and attracting cannabis-related tourists, which could lead to the development of a local industry.
- Public Health dangers: However, increased cannabis consumption poses dangers to public health, such as impaired driving, accidental ingesting, mental health issues, and addiction. It is difficult to regulate and enforce marijuana legislation since it is necessary to prevent underage usage and to ensure that the products are safe.
Final Thoughts
Athens County’s position as a top cannabis consumer provides important information on the effects of legalization as Ohio’s recreational marijuana program develops. The county is a small-scale representation of the state, demonstrating the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing marijuana and influencing the conversations and policies that are made in the state.