As of February 29, 2024, 38 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products. Many patients across the nation rely on medical marijuana to help with a variety of ailments, including anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain, among others.
But exactly how many consumers are interested in medical cannabis?
A study was conducted by biowellnessx.com to determine the level of interest in medical marijuana, which shows Mississippi emerged as the leader with 294.59 searches per 100,000 residents, indicating widespread interest in medical marijuana. Arkansas (2nd) and Alaska (3rd) closely follow, with 233 and 222 monthly searches per 100,000 residents.
U.S. With the Most Interest in Medical Marijuana
Here are the top 10 states in which the biowellnessx.com study found had the most interest in medical marijuana:
- Mississippi: Mississippi leads with 294.59 searches per 100K residents, indicating strong curiosity despite a population under 2.94 million.
- Arkansas: Arkansas follows closely with 233 searches per 100K residents, reflecting high interest among its 3.07 million population.
- Alaska: Alaska stands out with 222 searches per 100K residents, despite its smaller and less urbanized population.
- Louisiana: Louisiana’s interest at 185 searches per 100K residents is notable, with 8,470 monthly searches.
- Illinois: Illinois exhibits clear public interest with 180 searches per 100K residents and 22,590 monthly searches.
- Kentucky: Kentucky shows a growing interest with 172 searches per 100K residents and 7,770 monthly searches.
- Indiana: Indiana’s marked interest is evident with 159 searches per 100K residents and 10,890 monthly searches.
- Connecticut: Connecticut’s engagement is noteworthy at 155 searches per 100K residents and 5,590 monthly searches.
- Utah: Utah reflects vibrant interest with 154 searches per 100K residents and 5,260 monthly searches.
- Kansas: Kansas demonstrates considerable interest with 149 searches per 100K residents and 4,390 monthly searches.
Although populous states like California, Texas, New York and Florida had substantial search volumes, they didn’t make it into the top 10 rankings per capita, according to the study. South Carolina, Idaho and Oregon rank lowest, with just over 129 monthly searches per 100,000 residents, indicating lower interest levels.