A 2024 report found that 35.5% of Burlington residents reported using cannabis—via smoking, vaping, or edibles—in the last 30 days. That figure not only exceeds Vermont’s state average but also more than doubles the U.S. national average of 16.3%. So, far from the usual suspects like Denver or Los Angeles, it’s Burlington, Vermont, that outpaces every other U.S. city in monthly cannabis use.
Data Behind the High Usage
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The SAMHSA study evaluated 384 U.S. metro areas, ranking Burlington first for its monthly usage. This remarkable 35.5% suggests that over one in three adults in Burlington engage with cannabis at least once a month.
Statewide Trends
Vermont consistently ranks top among states for annual cannabis use. According to Statistico (reporting 2022 SAMHSA figures), 34.37% of Vermonters used cannabis in the past year—leading the nation.
Why Burlington Tops National Charts
Young, Progressive Demographics
Burlington is a vibrant college town, home to the University of Vermont (UVM) and Champlain College. Its youthful median age of around 26 years correlates with generally higher cannabis use. College communities often drive these statistics—38% of Vermonters who use are students, further inflating the city’s average .
Deep-Rooted Cannabis Culture
Cannabis advocacy has long been part of Burlington’s identity. In 2012, the city endorsed a non-binding legalization resolution. By 2020, Burlington had authorized retail sales following the state’s legalization. It hosted the first Vermont Cannabis and Hemp Convention in 2018—all signaling a pro‑cannabis environment.
Climate & Self-Medication
With long, cold winters—average January lows near 10.9 °F and heavy snowfall—some residents turn to cannabis for mood regulation or stress relief. It’s a conceivable factor influencing higher consumption.
Thriving Community Scene
Burlington’s lively arts, music, local food, and holistic wellness scenes align well with cannabis culture. Venues like Higher Ground and The Flynn host acts that resonate with cannabis users, while organic cafes, craft breweries, and local markets complement a holistic lifestyle.
Legal and Regulatory Milestones
Decriminalization & Medical Legalization
- 1977: Vermont decriminalizes small amounts of cannabis.
- 2004: Medical cannabis becomes legal
- 2013: Possession under one ounce is decriminalized .
- 2018: Recreational use legalized.
- 2022: Statewide regulated sales begin.
Burlington Embraces the Shift
The city actively supported legalization and has fostered a cannabis‑friendly regulatory climate. From hosting the Cannabis Convention to working with dispensaries and launching educational initiatives, Burlington is the epicenter of Vermont’s legal cannabis ecosystem.
Economic Boom: Green Dollars & Social Impact
Expanding Tax Revenues
Since legalization, Vermont’s legal cannabis market surged in value—from a projected $86 million by mid-2024 to an actual $128 million by June 2024. Burlington benefits directly from this economic momentum.
Job Creation & Tourism
Dispensaries and cannabis-adjacent businesses—like cannabis cafes, “canna‑flow” yoga studios, artisanal growers, and local craft vendors—have blossomed. Tourism too is seeing early signs of a cannabis dimension, as Burlington becomes a sort of green haven.
Community Investment & Awareness
Burlington isn’t just riding the green wave—it’s steering it responsibly. Educational programs promote harm reduction and informed usage, dispensaries partner on environmental and housing initiatives, and artisanal cultivation focuses on organic, sun-grown methods.
Challenges Amid the High
Monitoring Youth Access & Public Safety
There’s growing vigilance around underage use and impaired driving. City officials and community organizations are working to balance normalization with safety and responsibility .
Overtourism & Cultural Shifts
Some residents have raised concerns about Burlington becoming a “pot playground,” potentially eroding its historic charm and small‑town feel.
Economic Equity & Market Balance
The legal cannabis industry is thriving—but market critics warn of high prices, quality control issues, and excessive packaging. One Reddit user, an organic chemist, criticized Vermont’s market as lagging in processing standards and product quality.
What Lies Ahead?
Regulation & Quality Control
Vermont is expected to refine packaging standards, processing controls, and pricing oversight—critical steps as legalization matures.
Drug Education & Public Safety Campaigns
Schools and local agencies continue expanding educational outreach on substance use, responsible consumption, and impairment awareness.
Responsible Tourism
As cannabis tourism grows, Burlington faces a challenge: welcoming visitors without compromising its cultural identity. A measured strategy involving safe‑use spaces, local tourism guidelines, and community feedback will be key.
Bottom Line
Burlington has emerged as the nation’s premier cannabis city, not through hype, but through sustained cultural acceptance, progressive policy, academic presence, economic opportunity, and regional appeal. With 35.5% of residents using cannabis monthly—nearly double the national average—the city embodies a modern case study in how cannabis can shape local norms, economies, and identities .
Moving forward, the city faces testy questions around regulation, safety, and social dynamics. But Burlington’s response so far suggests it aims to seize the green opportunity responsibly—balancing community well‑being with entrepreneurial potential. As cannabis continues reshaping landscapes across America, Burlington stands at the vanguard, a small city with outsized influence.