Introduction

The demand for the legalization and regulation of cannabis has been growing worldwide. While several countries and cities have already legalized the use of marijuana, it remains illegal in most parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest weed consuming cities according to various studies and reports. We will also discuss the potential tax revenue that these cities are missing out on by not legalizing cannabis.

Methodology and Data Sources

The rankings presented in this article are based on various studies and reports conducted by organizations such as ABCD and the health information group CFAH.

These studies used data collected by reputable sources like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization. The data considered for the rankings includes the total consumption of marijuana in each city and the potential tax revenue that could be generated by legalizing and taxing cannabis.

The Top 10 Highest Weed Consuming Cities

New York City, United States

New York City tops the list as the city with the highest weed consumption in the world. With a consumption of 77.44 metric tons of marijuana per year, it outpaces all other cities. However, cannabis is only partially legal in New York, the city has the potential to generate significant tax revenue. By taxing marijuana at the average US marijuana tax rates, New York City could generate $156.4 million annually.

Karachi, Pakistan

Despite cannabis consumption being illegal in Pakistan, Karachi emerges as the second-highest weed consuming city. With a consumption of 41.95 metric tons of marijuana, Karachi demonstrates a significant demand for the substance. Legalizing marijuana in the city could generate approximately $135.4 million in annual taxes.

New Delhi, India

New Delhi, the capital of India, ranks third on the list with a consumption of 38.26 metric tons of cannabis per year. The city has one of the cheapest prices for marijuana, with a gram costing only $4.38 on average. By legalizing and taxing marijuana, New Delhi could potentially generate $101 million in annual tax revenue.

Los Angeles, United States

Los Angeles, a city where cannabis consumption has been legalized in the state of California, consumed 36 metric tons of marijuana last year. The city has a thriving cannabis industry, with numerous headshops and growshops. With an average price of $8.14 per gram, Los Angeles showcases the potential for tax revenue generation through the legalization and taxation of cannabis.

Cairo, Egypt

Despite the illegality of cannabis consumption in Egypt, Cairo consumed 32.59 metric tons of marijuana in the previous year. The high price of $16.15 per gram did not deter the demand for cannabis. If Cairo were to legalize and tax marijuana at the same rate as cigarettes, it could generate $385 million in annual tax revenues.

Mumbai, India

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, consumed 32.38 metric tons of cannabis last year. While India allows the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, its consumption remains illegal. The city is losing out on approximately $90 million in potential tax revenue by not legalizing and taxing weed consumption.

London, United Kingdom

Cannabis consumption is illegal in London, yet the city consumed 31.4 metric tons of marijuana in the previous year. Legalizing cannabis and taxing it at the same rate as cigarettes could result in a staggering $237 million in annual tax revenues for London. The average price of marijuana in the city is $9.2 per gram.

Chicago, United States

Chicago is one of the three US cities that made it to the top 10 highest weed consuming cities. With a consumption of 24.54 metric tons of cannabis, Chicago showcases the demand for marijuana in the city. Thus, legalizing marijuana could generate close to $120 million in annual tax revenue. The average price of cannabis in Chicago is $11.46 per gram.

Moscow, Russia

Despite the relatively high price of $11.84 per gram, Moscow consumed a staggering 22.87 metric tons of cannabis in the previous year. Legalizing and taxing marijuana at the same rate as cigarettes could generate approximately $129 million in annual tax revenue for the Russian capital.

Toronto, Canada

Finally, Toronto rounds out the top 10 highest weed consuming cities with a consumption of 22.75 metric tons of marijuana. Cannabis has been partially legalized in Canada, presenting an opportunity for generating tax revenue. If Toronto were to legalize cannabis consumption and tax it at the same rate as popular cigarette brands, it could generate an annual tax revenue of $124 million. The average price of cannabis in Toronto is $7.82 per gram.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The list of the top 10 highest weed consuming cities provides insights into the demand for cannabis worldwide. These cities demonstrate the potential tax revenue that can be generated through the legalization and taxation of marijuana. It is essential for policymakers to consider these factors when evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis legalization. With the growing interest in legalization and regulation, the landscape of cannabis consumption is likely to continue evolving in the coming years.

Disclaimer: The consumption and legalization status of cannabis mentioned in this article are based on the data available at the time of writing. Please note that laws and regulations regarding cannabis may have changed since the publication of this article.