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This Is the Most Stoned State in America, According to Data

More states are legalizing marijuana, but the cannabis craze is especially fervent here.

marijuana on yellow background
Shutterstock

It's 4/20 today, so what better time to look at the ever-changing legal status of marijuana in the United States? Though it's been a gradual process over decades, the shift of cannabis use—for either medicinal or recreational purposes—from counterculture to the mainstream seems to have sped up overnight. In fact, after the election results came in at the end of 2020, the recreational use of marijuana was officially legal in 14 states. And now, in 2021 that number is up to 17, with New York, New Mexico, and Virginia all legalizing recreational use in recent weeks—and more are expected to do the same this year. Not to mention, there are only three states in the U.S. where it is still neither legal recreationally nor offered medicinally.


In addition to the continued legalization of marijuana, on Dec. 4, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark bill decriminalizing marijuana on the federal level, CNN reported. The MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement), which will now move to the Senate, would eliminate criminal penalties for those who manufacture, distribute, or possess marijuana. It would also seek to remove prior marijuana-related convictions and use tax dollars to invest in job training and other programs to aid those who have been convicted of such crimes. So, with the House's passing of the MORE Act, more states choosing to legalize marijuana, and the cannabis business booming, we at Best Life set out to determine the most stoned state in America.

First, we looked at the legal status of cannabis both medicinally and recreationally* as of April 2021, based on official state laws gathered by workplace safety and compliance specialists DISA Global Solutions. Then, we collected the percentage of adults in each state who say they've used cannabis within the last year, according to Statista. We used that data plus the most recent population data from the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate the number of cannabis users per 100,000 residents in each state. Finally, we examined the National Cannabis Industry Association's sales projections for 2022 in both the recreational and medical marijuana markets, which were made using current data and financial analytics.

We then gave all metrics a weighted value and ran them through our exclusive algorithm to see how each state scored on our 100-point scale Stoned Index, where 0 is the least stoned and 100 is the most. (You'll see "N/A" noted in any instances where data either didn't apply or was not currently available, which we factored into how each metric was weighted.)

While you may predict the most stoned state in America to be California, you'd be off. The Golden State did rank highly on the list, but quite a few other states ranked higher. The top 10, in fact, contain states from all over the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to New England to the Southwest to one non-contiguous state, too. Read on to discover the most stoned state in the country and find out where yours falls in the mix. And to learn where people enjoy a different kind of substance, This Is the Drunkest State in America, According to Data.

*In instances where a state officially passed a bill to legalize recreational use, but the law had yet to go into effect as of the date this article was published (like Virginia, for example), we considered recreational use to be legal. 

50 | Texas

trees on a cliff rock wall and houses at Lake Travis in Austin, TexasShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 11,210

2022 projected medicinal sales: $156 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $540,076

Stoned Index Score: 0.04

49 | Nebraska

sandhills nebraskaShutterstock

Medicinal use: No

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,700

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 2.58

48 | Iowa

white houses, green land and empty roads, photo taken from above, in Iowa City, IowaShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,610

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 3.01

47 | Alabama

waterfall at little river canyon national preserve in alabamaRob Hainer / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,820

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 3.54

46 | Utah

Aspen grove with yellow flowersinga spence / Alamy

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 11,160

2022 projected medicinal sales: $17.2 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $536,501

Stoned Index Score: 3.86

45 | North Carolina

a winding road curves around a forested cliffShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,960

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 3.89

44 | Kentucky

The Battleship Rock surrounded by trees at the Red River George Geological Area in Wolfe County, KentuckyShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,000

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 3.99

43 | Wyoming

the reflection of glaciers and tress in a lake in Teton, WyomingShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,140

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 4.35

42 | Tennessee

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park Magical DestinationsShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,240

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 4.60

41 | Kansas

sunsets over a golden field and hillsideShutterstock

Medicinal use: No

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,930

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 5.69

40 | Idaho

sandy beach at priest lake in idahoJosh Garver / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: No

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,960

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 5.77

39 | Georgia

GeorgiaShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,710

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 5.79

38 | Wisconsin

Scenic Small Town Nestled in Autumn Valley, Beautiful Rural Wisconsin Fall colors.iStock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,770

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 5.94

37 | South Carolina

south boundary road south carolinaShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,820

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 6.07

36 | Louisiana

the cameron parish marshes LouisianaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,540

2022 projected medicinal sales: $44 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $946,482

Stoned Index Score: 7.80

35 | Mississippi

cypress preserve mississippi state natural wondersShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 11,670

2022 projected medicinal sales: $101 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $3.4 million

Stoned Index Score: 8.23

34 | Oklahoma

a sunny day in edmond oklahomaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,150

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 8.32

33 | North Dakota

a butte and green trees at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North DakotaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,170

2022 projected medicinal sales: $36 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $4.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 10.93

32 | Indiana

brown county state park viewed from waterShutterstock

Medicinal use: CBD or low-level THC only

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 15,890

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 11.32

31 | Missouri

green fields by the Missouri River in Glasgow, MissouriiStock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,820

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 12.55

30 | Ohio

A Stone Stairway And Path Through A Forest Glen Helen Nature Preserve Yellow Springs OhioShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,960

2022 projected medicinal sales: $298 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $2.5 million

Stoned Index Score: 13.12

29 | West Virginia

landscape photo of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia at sunsetShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,650

2022 projected medicinal sales: $36 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $2.0 million

Stoned Index Score: 14.29

28 | Virginia

landscape photo of Buchanan, VirginiaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,050

2022 projected medicinal sales: $17.2 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $201,510

Stoned Index Score: 14.30

27 | Arkansas

crag juts out among trees in arkansasShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 13,610

2022 projected medicinal sales: $139 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $4.6 million

Stoned Index Score: 14.45

26 | South Dakota

buffalo in custer state park, south dakotaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,260

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: N/A

Stoned Index Score: 14.62

25 | Pennsylvania

pine creek gorge pennsylvania state natural wondersShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,470

2022 projected medicinal sales: $363 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $2.8 million

Stoned Index Score: 14.72

24 | Minnesota

river with mist coming off of it during fall foliageShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 15,900

2022 projected medicinal sales: $101 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $1.8 million

Stoned Index Score: 17.22

23 | New Jersey

trees and walkway at a park in Burlington County, New JerseyShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 12,420

2022 projected medicinal sales: $284 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $3.2 million

Stoned Index Score: 18.47

22 | Florida

aerial view of islamorada florida keysShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,450

2022 projected medicinal sales: $1.7 billion

2022 projected recreational sales:  N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $7.9 million

Stoned Index Score: 20.15

And to find out another substance people enjoy, This Is the Most Popular Beer in America, According to Data.

21 | Maryland

Deep Creek Lake, MarylandShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,810

2022 projected medicinal sales: $139 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $289 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $7.1 million

Stoned Index Score: 20.16

20 | Hawaii

the Wailua falls and green trees in Kauai, HawaiiShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 14,560

2022 projected medicinal sales: $120 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $8.5 million

Stoned Index Score: 21.03

19 | New York

field of flowers and tress and a lake in Fort Montgomery, New YorkShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 15,530

2022 projected medicinal sales: $504 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $2.6 million

Stoned Index Score: 25.70

And for the beverage people closest to you love the most, check out The Most Popular Cocktail in Your State, According to Data.

18 | Illinois

Open country road in rural Illinois as the sun setsShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 15,410

2022 projected medicinal sales: $400 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $3.2 million

Stoned Index Score: 26.00

17 | Delaware

View from inside the Ashland covered bridge in Yorklyn, New Castle County, Delaware during the fall with colorful foliage in bright sunlightiStock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 17,400

2022 projected medicinal sales: $12 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $67 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $8.1 million

Stoned Index Score: 27.84

16 | Connecticut

Lynde Point Lighthouse, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USAiStock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 18,680

2022 projected medicinal sales: $103 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $99 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $5.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 28.44

15 | New Hampshire

white mountain highway with covered bridge new hampshireShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 20,890

2022 projected medicinal sales: $36 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $2.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 30.79

14 | Arizona

ArizonaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 17,200

2022 projected medicinal sales: $948 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $243 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $16.4 million

Stoned Index Score: 44.78

13 | New Mexico

the native pueblo in Taos New MexicoGimas / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 18,990

2022 projected medicinal sales: $275 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $13.1 million

Stoned Index Score: 45.81

12 | Michigan

MichiganShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 18,910

2022 projected medicinal sales: $698 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $663 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $13.6 million

Stoned Index Score: 46.16

11 | Rhode Island

flowers and beach in Newport, Rhode IslandShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: No

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 21,210

2022 projected medicinal sales: $69 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $122 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $18 million

Stoned Index Score: 48.18

10 | Montana

MontanaShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 20,070

2022 projected medicinal sales: $148 million

2022 projected recreational sales: N/A

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $13.1 million

Stoned Index Score: 49.34

9 | California

a lake, flowers, and mountains in Chula Vista, California at sunriseiStock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 18,890

2022 projected medicinal sales: $133 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $7.6 billion

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $19.6 million

Stoned Index Score: 52.52

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8 | Massachusetts

aerial view of a road with a hairpin turn in a forest of fall foliageShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 20,870

2022 projected medicinal sales: $113 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $1.1 billion

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $17.6 million

Stoned Index Score: 55.41

7 | Alaska

view of talkeetna from the highwayShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 24,520

2022 projected medicinal sales: $3 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $119 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $16.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 63.66

6 | Nevada

Landscape at Great Basin National Park, Nevada. Scenic view of Wheeler Peak. A large Bristlecone Pine tree in the foreground. A blue clouded sky above.iStock/AvatarKnowmad

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 22,610

2022 projected medicinal sales: $38 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $615 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $21.2 million

Stoned Index Score: 63.70

5 | Washington

stone bridge and walkway surrounded by fall foliage at washington park arboretum in seattleDenise Lett / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 24,180

2022 projected medicinal sales: N/A

2022 projected recreational sales: $1.5 billion

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $19.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 66.06

4 | Maine

asticou azalea garden in the fall with a reflection on the pondRandall Vermillion / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 25,530

2022 projected medicinal sales: $28 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $237 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $19.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 66.96

3 | Vermont

cityscape of windsor vermontShutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 25,710

2022 projected medicinal sales: $44 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $64 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $17.3 million

Stoned Index Score: 67.36

2 | Oregon

red, pink, orange, and yellow roses with a forest in the backgroundNagel Photography / Shutterstock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 28,560

2022 projected medicinal sales: $59 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $848 million

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $21.5 million

Stoned Index Score: 79.10

1 | Colorado

reflection of the Rocky Mountains in front of lake in Denver, ColoradoiStock

Medicinal use: Yes

Recreational use: Yes

Adult cannabis users per 100,000 people: 27,707

2022 projected medicinal sales: $360 million

2022 projected recreational sales: $2.1 billion

2022 projected total sales per 100,000 people: $42.7 million

Stoned Index Score: 99.97

And to learn which part of the U.S. is the most active between the sheets, This Is the Most Promiscuous State in America, According to Data.