2023’s Best Cities to Get Stoned

Image of female tourist smiling as she passes by cannabis shop

Where can you toke up for a cloud-nine experience?

With 4/20 around the corner and three new states legalizing recreational marijuana for adult use in 2022, LawnStarter ranked 2023’s Best Cities to Get Stoned.

We compared over 100 of the biggest U.S. cities (where adult recreational marijuana use is legal) based on 17 metrics, such as access to top-rated dispensaries, consumption lounges, bud and breakfasts, and munchie relievers.

Find out if your city smoked the competition below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our methodology.


Editor’s note: LawnStarter neither condones nor promotes illicit drug use. This study is intended only to provide entertainment value and information. If you or someone you know may be struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Contents

City Rankings + Infographic  

See how each city fared in our ranking:

Infographic showing the Best Cities to Get Stoned, a ranking based on cannabis access, consumer satisfaction, consumption lounges, munchie relievers, and more
Note: For presentation purposes, not all ties may be displayed for some metrics above.

Toke of the Town: Our Top 5

Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top five cities — and make sure to bring your ID!

Colorful buildings in San Francisco shine during Golden Hour
No. 1: San Francisco | Overall Score: 59.77

Access: 1
Consumer Satisfaction: 33
Convenience: 13
Lounging: 1
Entertainment: 5
Munchie Relief: 2

Local tips: Baghdad by the Bay is our consumption-lounge leader, so check out its most popular spots. Moe Greens features a dab bar. Meet your best buds (the highly praised budtenders) at Urbana. Cozy up in a warm, beautiful space at SPARC.
A shot of the Los Angeles skyline with the Griffith Observatory in the forground from a hill surrounded by plants
No. 2: Los Angeles | Overall Score: 57.5

Access: 6
Consumer Satisfaction: 21
Convenience: 3
Lounging: 5
Entertainment: 1
Munchie Relief: 5

Local tips: Book your stay at this secluded bud and breakfast boasting a private, heated pool and free supply of cannabis. They’ll shake — you wake and bake. Or inhale breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills in this cannabis-friendly penthouse.

Photo Credit: Roberto Nickson / Pexels / Pexels License
People walk around a park in Denver while skyscrapers in the background reflect the sunshine emerging from a break in the cloudy sky.
No. 3: Denver | Overall Score: 50.97

Access: 4
Consumer Satisfaction: 31
Convenience: 49
Lounging: 2
Entertainment: 9
Munchie Relief: 22

Local tips: Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Mile High City, you can’t go wrong with the Colorado Cannabis Tours. With an average 4.8 rating on Google and over 2,000 positive reviews, the 3.5-hour daily tour includes a ride in a 420-friendly limo or party bus, visits to dispensaries and growing facilities, and a live glass-blowing demo.
An aerial shot of Santa Ana, California taken from a Southwest Airlines plane descending into John Wayne International Airport
No. 4: Santa Ana, California | Overall Score: 49.14

Access: 2
Consumer Satisfaction: 3
Convenience: 16
Lounging: 64
Entertainment: 39
Munchie Relief: 60

Local tips: Santa Ana earned the third-highest Consumer Satisfaction score in our ranking for its numerous top-rated dispensaries. Check out Speedy Weedy, for instance, boasting an impressive 5-star rating with over 5,200 reviews on WeedMaps. Another popular joint is Mr. Nice Guy – Marketplace with 4.9 stars from nearly 1,800 reviewers. Ask about specials and new-customer discounts.

Photo Credit: Ken Lund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
A shot of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino, along with surrounding buildings in Las Vegas, Nevada
No. 5: Las Vegas | Overall Score: 45.21

Access: 10
Consumer Satisfaction: 25
Convenience: 45
Lounging: 4
Entertainment: 3
Munchie Relief: 9

Local tips: Is it any surprise that the Entertainment Capital of the World took the bronze in our “Entertainment” category? Don’t miss Smokus Pocus, a “mind-blowing” magic show to which you “arrive baked” and “leave bewildered.”

Photo Credit: Solvej Nielsen / Pexels / Pexels License

Weedy Wisdom: Key Insights

The Gist

California is the undisputed mover and shaker of the recreational pot scene. Although pot pioneers Colorado and Washington state had a four-year head start on California, six of our top 10 cities — plus another seven in our top 20 — are all in the Golden State. Many early adopters, particularly in Colorado and Oregon, also retain the upper hand in our 2023 ranking. 

The bottom includes mostly new entrants in the recreational cannabis space, with some exceptions: Three Arizona cities; Albuquerque, New Mexico (No. 25); St. Louis (No. 27); and New York (No. 30). 

Standout Stats

Blazing the Ganja Trail: For two years in a row, San Francisco lights up as our 2023 Cannabis Capital. The city gets extra pot brownie points for earning top-five rankings in four out of six categories.

MO’ Than Anyone Else: At the time of writing, 12 states and the District of Columbia permitted home cannabis cultivation for recreational use. Missouri allowed the most, 1850% more than in Michigan, the state with the next highest.

Cannabliss: For R&R with THC and CBD, toke up with your buds in these “Lounging category chart toppers: Las Vegas (No. 1 in 420-friendly accommodations), Los Angeles (No. 1 in bud and breakfasts), and San Francisco (No. 1 in consumption lounges).

Late Bloomers: License to use ≠ license to buy — rolling out cannabis shops can be a drag in budding “fun weed” cities. Bridgeport, Connecticut, for example, tied for last place in dispensary access. The city’s first dispensaries (that had yet to open at the time of writing) waited two years for permission to sell. In Virginia, consumers might need to wait longer.

NY State of High: Of New York state’s five biggest cities, only The Big Apple had operating recreational dispensaries (at the time of writing). Gotham also is tops overall (No. 30) among the five, thanks to top-three rankings in “Lounging,” “Entertainment,” and “Munchie Relief.”

High Praise: Tokers in Greater Los Angeles think their local weed shops are pretty dope. LA suburbs and Inland Empire cities took up seven of the top 10 spots in Consumer Satisfaction. Torrance tops the category. North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Baltimore also occupy top-five spots.

Lucky No. 7: One of the seven states to join the recreational weed league since 2021 was New Mexico. Its biggest city, Albuquerque, finished seventh in three different metrics, its highest rank except in legality of home cultivation (tied for No. 1). This triple-seven rank helped the city secure its No. 25 spot, the highest among cities in the seven states.

Hazy Market: Among the 105 weed-friendly localities we ranked, Washington is the only city where a consumer cannot legally buy weed from a dispensary. Instead, a consumer may only receive marijuana as a “gift” from a vendor by purchasing another, non-weed product like a T-shirt or poster.

The smoke around this legal gray area cleared up a bit — at least for medical cannabis — in March 2023.

Big Cities for Big Appetites: If baking (not the Martha Stewart kind) activates your munchies, let’s hope you live in one of the most populated cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago — these foodie hotspots are our top munchie relievers. Greater Los Angeles is the best region overall if you’re high and hungry. 

If you live in a smaller city like Springfield, Massachusetts, or Joliet, Illinois, pack some snacks.

Doobie Debits: Buying cannabis on credit is not currently an option. Colorado and Arizona cities make up seven of the 10 with the highest concentrations of dispensaries taking debit cards. California cities Salinas and Stockton, along with Worcester, Massachusetts, are the other three.

Honorable Mentions

Twin-City Tokers: We didn’t rank Minnesota’s two biggest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, while the state’s recreational marijuana legislation remains pending (at the time of writing). But adults in the state can already — legallypurchase low-potency edibles and beverages.

For a non-THC-induced laugh attack, read how Minnesota lawmakers (accidentally) approved the policy.

Ask The Experts

Even with nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults today favoring legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use, the issue remains a contentious one, especially in politics.

To help clear the haze, we asked a panel of industry experts to light up the conversation — and guide budding cannabis users on their journey to new heights. See what they had to say below.

  1. In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?
  2. If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?
  3. Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
  4. How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?
  5. What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?
  6. What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?
Michael Vitiello
Distinguished Professor of Law
Edward M Bednarczyk, PharmD, FACCP, FAPhA
Clinical Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice, Director, cHOPE
Mark K. Osbeck
Clinical Professor of Law, Legal Practice Program
Wally Wojciechowski
Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice
Ekaterina (Katya) Moiseeva
Ph.D. Student, Department of Criminology, Law and Society
Michael Flynn
Professor of Law, Shepard Broad Law Center
Marsha N. Cohen
Hon. Raymond L. Sullivan Professor of Law, Founding Executive Director, Lawyers for America
Ben Michael
Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael Vitiello
Distinguished Professor of Law
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Decriminalization: A state might get rid of all penalties for possession of marijuana.

Legalization: This typically would be broader, allowing for sale of marijuana.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

That is a subject of some controversy. Many supporters were hoping to undo some of the racial injustice caused by unequal enforcement of marijuana laws. But as implemented, minority members lack capital resources to pay substantial costs of entry and of maintaining business. (Some communities have equity programs, but they are a small percentage of overall business). Large corporate license holders seem to be succeeding in the industry; they have greater access to capital. But this is a new market; some big players have already dropped out (e.g., MedMen, a large corporate entity, was close to going out of business).

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

After New Mexico, which recently passed legislation, South Dakota may be in line. Voters passed a constitutional amendment, but it is tied up in the courts. Connecticut is in the middle of the process of legalizing. Ditto on Minnesota. Florida may have a ballot initiative next year.

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

Commonly misunderstood, banks can work with the industry, but most choose not to because of complexities that make it onerous. But members of Congress often express support for changing banking laws to allow easy compliance. If I was betting, I would think that this change will be made ere too long.

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

Not being someone who consumes marijuana, I have little advice in general. Use at home; avoid driving; smoking and vaping are bad for a person’s health. Edibles are unpredictable and so some folks end up consuming too much. Be with someone whom you trust, in case you feel paranoid.

Edward M Bednarczyk, PharmD, FACCP, FAPhA
Clinical Associate Professor Pharmacy Practice, Director, cHOPE
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Decriminalization does just that: It reduces the penalty below that of a criminal charge while maintaining illegal status. A good analogy is a traffic ticket: Speeding might still be illegal, but you get a ticket, not a jail sentence.

Legalization is just that: The action is now legal, not just a different penalty version of illegal.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

Winners: “Big Cannabis”

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

The obvious answer is money. Let’s be honest; the tax revenue is a strong driver.

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

Banking? Not so much. It’s introducing a disruptive element to the beverage ethanol industry, at least in the short term.

What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?

Pros:

  • Strong statement of your views
  • You control the environment.
  • Great for the hobbyist who wants to get in deep
  • Sense of not supporting “Big Cannabis”

Cons:

  • You might not have a green thumb!
  • You’ll have to learn about cultivation.
  • You need the space.

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

For first time users, read up on what effects (and side effects) to expect. Educate yourself to some of the strains (and therefore THC and other cannabinoid content). Go with a friend!

Mark K. Osbeck
Clinical Professor of Law, Legal Practice Program
University of Michigan

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Decriminalization generally means imposing a noncriminal penalty (e.g., a civil fine, similar to a speeding ticket) rather than a criminal penalty for a violation of the law.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

I assume shareholders in large cannabis businesses would have the most to gain.

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

I wouldn’t say “racing,” but the pace of legalization is indeed picking up, probably because it no longer seems like a radical idea.

What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?

Make sure you are in compliance with state law, which imposes limits on the amount that can be possessed, etc. If you go beyond the limited exception to illegal possession under state law, you lose the protection of legalization.

Wally Wojciechowski
Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice
Michigan State University

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Decriminalization means that law enforcement will devote only the most minimal of resources toward policing an issue. For marijuana, basically this means that a person in possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use would not be arrested if the police found it. This depends on jurisdiction, but there may be some tickets or fines that may apply if caught with marijuana.

Legalization expands this by allowing retail businesses to actually sell marijuana, whereas this is not the case with decriminalization. Legalization then opens up the potential for tax revenue to be procured through legal sales of marijuana, whereas decriminalization does not.

In both cases, law enforcement may still devote resources toward arrest and prosecution of individuals in possession of large amounts of marijuana. Again, this will vary by jurisdiction.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

I don’t necessarily think that anyone “loses” if marijuana becomes federally legalized. Given that marijuana use has demonstrated some medical benefits, full legalization will only open up the potential for more research on the topic. Beyond that, I am pretty uncomfortable with government at any level having the capacity to restrict mine or anyone else’s rights to do anything to our own bodies. So, I would see legalization of marijuana use as a win for all American’s civil liberties in that regard.

That said, I would say I do have some major concerns about how legalization might be carried out. I worry a great deal about corporatization of the marijuana industry. Essentially, this could lead to the McDonalds-ization of the industry very quickly if large corporations gain a competitive advantage in having the funding and infrastructure to set up operations at the expense of smaller business owners. Some small business owners have highlighted this issue in that it is difficult to get their businesses off the ground for this reason. Legalization would help with this in some respects, as getting loans for marijuana businesses remains very difficult due to the risk involved for banks due to the federal prohibition.

In the meantime, this is one reason why some jurisdictions have attempted to apply a social-equity lens to the situation in order to remedy some of these issues. There is necessarily a racialized aspect to this entire issue also that cannot be ignored. If we speak about communities being harmed by the war on drugs, our Black and Brown communities have certainly been disproportionately impacted for decades. This fact highlights the need to provide equitable access to individuals in these communities to allow them the opportunity to receive some kind of remediation for these harms done.

This is perhaps my biggest concern with federal legalization, as I think that there is a pretty high likelihood that this would be botched and the communities that have been harmed the most by decades of prohibition will not have equitable access to reap the potential benefits of legalization.

One final concern pertains to teenage marijuana use. While research has indicated that marijuana may have some medical benefits, it is not without potential risks, albeit somewhat small compared to other drugs. However, the cognitive impacts of marijuana use generally are of greatest concern when marijuana is used during the rapid period of cognitive development during adolescence. So, there is concern that legalization would make marijuana much easier to obtain for youth and this could lead to unwanted outcomes. Some research has indicated that access for teenagers may indeed increase when legalization occurs, but the research I have seen on this is somewhat mixed, and I think a bit more research is necessary before we can make a clear determination of just what impact legalization may have for teenager access.

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

I would highlight the tax revenue that states that have legalized marijuana use have garnered through taxes on sales, business licenses, etc.

Beyond this, these states also have additional potential to market themselves as tourist destinations. Marijuana tourism will continue to be an added financial benefit for these states, at least until federal legalization occurs.

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

As I stated above, the banking industries are being impacted greatly by this because they are in a tough place. Many traditional banking institutions are wary to hand out loans for marijuana businesses because of the potential legal liability that they may incur because of the continued federal prohibition.

Beyond this, marijuana legalization has the potential to transform the hospitality industry as we move forward, as connoisseurs will undoubtedly wish to indulge in marijuana-centered activities when vacationing. This could obviously range from just buying marijuana from a dispensary to having a destination resort experience that is focused on sampling different types of marijuana.

What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?

Personally, I am a strong advocate for home gardening of all forms simply for the fact I believe that we should produce more and consume less just from a moral standpoint. There is also just something nice about producing something yourself for your own personal consumption.

Beyond that, there certainly are likely to be individuals who would enjoy marijuana as a gift.

In terms of consequences, the main one that I would highlight is potential risk for property victimization. The marijuana grey market remains a major opportunity for income, so growing your own marijuana certainly leaves you at risk for having it stolen, which makes security a paramount concern.

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

I would just say that, like with any drug, ensuring that you know what dosage you are taking is paramount. Know your limits, and go slow if you’re inexperienced or have little tolerance.

With licensed dispensaries, dosage should be clearly labeled.

If you’re buying or being gifted marijuana products from a grey market source, you’ll just want to try to get as much information as possible in that regard.

Ekaterina (Katya) Moiseeva
Ph.D. Student, Department of Criminology, Law and Society
University of California-Irvine

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Decriminalization means that cannabis sale and possession are not considered a crime anymore. In the 1970s, social movements’ efforts led to the decriminalization of cannabis in several states (i.e. the possession of small amounts of cannabis became a civil infraction). Decriminalization of cannabis at the federal level would lead to its removal from the list of controlled substances.

Legalization means the creation of the legally operated market of cannabis products, similar to the tobacco or alcohol market. The state oversees the operation of the cannabis market by creating a legal infrastructure for market development, enforcing contracts, safeguarding competition, protecting property rights, and providing standards.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

Many experts predict that big businesses would benefit the most (probably tobacco companies). Small cannabis companies, which were on the market since the legalization of medical cannabis, are concerned about the possible invasion of big businesses.

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

Two reasons:

  1. Economical: Cannabis legalization brings substantial tax revenues and creates new jobs.
  2. Political: Cannabis legalization is a liberal trend that some states decide to follow in order to signal their “progressiveness.”

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

Cannabis companies often do not have access to professional services because banks, attorneys, insurance companies, potential investors, and others are concerned with breaking federal law.

Since the traditional professions are cautious about engaging with legal cannabis, a pool of “special” cannabis bankers, creditors, and attorneys has emerged. However, these specialists are often considered marginal within their professional groups and do not change significantly the traditional industry.

What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?

One of the cons is that neighbors can sue cannabis users and growers on the basis of nuisance laws that govern the presence of unwanted odors.

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

There are still many social risks related to cannabis use. People may lose their jobs, parental rights, and federal benefits (such as student loans, subsidized housing, or research grants). Be aware of it.

Michael Flynn
Professor of Law, Shepard Broad Law Center
Nova Southeastern University

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

Legalizing marijuana means that if a person fits the legal requirements for use in a particular state, then there will not be any criminal liability for that use.

Decriminalizing marijuana means that there can be no criminal charges for use.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

Benefit would be for users, growers, and state and local governments through tax revenue, entrepreneurs, jobs increase.

Loss could be damage or injury to the person or the person’s property or other people’s property from abuse.

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

Tax revenue

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

Be careful. Avoid abuse.

Marsha N. Cohen
Hon. Raymond L. Sullivan Professor of Law, Founding Executive Director, Lawyers for America
UC Hastings College of the Law

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

For marijuana to be legal, there needs to be a change in laws, requiring a legislature to act (or in a state like California, a vote of the people can accomplish some law changes). The status of marijuana depends on both federal and state laws, and that has been the complication since the beginning of the attempt to legalize marijuana.

States are free to legalize marijuana — but that does not protect anyone within that state from prosecution under applicable federal laws. (That is why federally regulated banks will not open accounts for anyone dealing in marijuana, even if legal under state laws. Legislation currently pending in Congress would change this.) Even multiple decades ago, however, the federal government wasn’t busting street dealers in the Haight-Ashbury (in San Francisco) — that was left to local law enforcement.

Decriminalizing also requires changes in laws, it is not really any different from legalizing. Something that is a violation of criminal law is by definition not legal; something that is legal is not criminal. A state could change its criminal laws, for example, to eliminate marijuana from its list of controlled substances, so it would no longer be a crime, say, to grow marijuana — or give it away or even sell it. Yet there is de facto marijuana decriminalization that has gone on for a long time — that is, the laws are still on the books, but law enforcement officials (police, sheriffs) look the other way (or look the other way in certain circumstances — for example, a person smoking pot while walking down the street), and prosecutors no longer prosecute.

So both making a substance legal that is not legal and making possession/use/sale of that substance not a crime when it is now a crime require changes in laws. You can leave laws on the books and not enforce them (effectively decriminalizing something). And states can say something is OK that federal law forbids — but if the federal law is one that has impact in the states (there is no way you can put the complexities of “federalism” into plain English!), you might not be protected by the state law.

If the federal government were to legalize recreational marijuana use, who in society would stand to benefit and lose the most and why?

This depends on how they were to legalize recreational marijuana use. I’ve always thought that if marijuana were legalized for recreational use, it should be treated just like alcoholic beverages. There should be federal rules (and taxation!) of the industry. Both of these substances may bring some pleasure, but they both have a huge downside of pain, most notably from DUI-caused injury and death, as well from habituation/addiction (and I believe the scientific experts on this).

Thirty years ago, I would’ve said we all could lose; the loss is smaller now because we’ve already borne some of these negative impacts because who is enforcing restrictions on marijuana growth and use anywhere in this country now?

A truly careful legalization scheme could put a lot of the “pot shops” out of business. I have not been a fan of a cottage industry growing up around a dangerous drug (as I just said, I deem it the equivalent of alcohol — both are dangerous, and there should be cautions). A lot of this industry grew up around legalization for “medical” purposes — and mostly the “medical” part of that was quite bogus. (It’s not that substances in marijuana can’t/don’t have some beneficial impacts on diagnosed medical ailments, many surely finally getting controlled clinical studies – it is that anyone could get a medical marijuana card in California, for the right price.)

One major concern expressed has been if you regulate marijuana too much, only the illegal dealers will benefit (it’ll be cheaper on the street). But if you could get safe, legal pot at BevMo? (Or your equivalent Adult Substances Discount Store? Or Costco?)

Why are states seemingly racing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

I think they are all chasing the Almighty Dollar, another taxable substance! After all, if your citizens are just crossing the state line to get it … Also presumably responding to demand.  I wonder if there is a red state/blue state divide?

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

As I noted above: Federally regulated bankers can’t now interact with those dealing in federally illegal substances. So there need to be “alternatives” or a lot of dealing in cash. I’m not up on how the pot shops are “banking,” but I know it has been a problem.

What are the top three pros and top three cons of growing marijuana at home in places where consumers are allowed to do so?

I assume some are just gardening problems and that plenty of people are growing it all over California for their personal use. Early on, the concern expressed in media was of intruders going after your pot plants. I’m not a gardener, but I wonder what marijuana does to animals/birds that might “share” your growing plants. Someone must know the answer, as marijuana does grow wild in some places.

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

Those trying marijuana for the first time since they encountered it years ago have to know that it has been bred to be many times more potent. That has created a health hazard recognized by the medical establishment.

Young people should be told that there is considerable concern about negative brain impacts of marijuana (as with other illegal drugs) on still-developing brains. (Here’s some Real Science.) And that some people are more susceptible to habituation than others — there is surely a genetic component to that, but it’s not like you can take a blood test and be told if you are at low or high risk.

Ben Michael
Criminal Defense Attorney
Michael & Associates

In plain English, what is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use?

These are two very different things, and it’s worth knowing that difference.

Legalization means that a drug that was illegal is now legal under either state or federal law. Also, something can be legal at the state level, but not at the federal level.

Decriminalization typically means that a drug is still illegal, but a state or locality has decided not to enforce the law or prosecute possession cases.

How is the legalization of marijuana changing industries like banking in cities, states, and across the U.S.?

As long as marijuana is illegal at the federal level, banks will be reluctant to lend to marijuana related companies. It’s far too risky from a legal perspective, and it’s an industry that is perceived as having bad actors.

One industry that is changing is the fertilizer industry. Companies like Scott’s Miracle Grow are investing billions in creating products from grow lights to plant fertilizers that help

What’s your most important piece of advice for consumers trying marijuana recreationally for the first time in places where it’s legal?

First off, be sure that it is actually legal. Secondly, do not drive while under the influence of marijuana. In most places where marijuana is legal, it is still illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana.

Ben Michael is Partner at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Behind the Ranking

First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to the Best Cities to Get Stoned. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into six categories: Access, Consumer Satisfaction, Convenience, Lounging, Entertainment, and Munchie Relief. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.

We began with a sample comprising the 200 biggest U.S. cities then eliminated 95 based on adult-use recreational marijuana legality in the U.S. as of April 1, 2023, resulting in a final sample of 105 cities. Although recreational use was also legal in Maine, Montana, and Vermont at the time of data collection, we did not include cities from these states because they did not meet our criterion for population size.

Next, we gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table. Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Best” (No. 1) and the lowest “Worst” (No. 105).

  • New metrics added this year:
    • Maximum Number of Plants Allowed for Home Growing (Recreational Use)
    • All “Consumer Satisfaction” metrics
    • Share of Recreational Dispensaries Accepting Debit Cards
    • Number of Bud and Breakfasts
  • New cities added this year:
    • Baltimore, MD
    • Hampton, VA
    • Kansas City, MO
    • Providence, RI
    • Roseville, CA
    • Springfield, MO
    • St. Louis, MO
    • Surprise, AZ
    • Warren, MI
    • Washington, DC
  • Cities removed this year (due to population size):
    • Arlington, VA
    • Gilbert, AZ
  • For Maximum Number of Plants Allowed for Home Growing (Recreational Use), we considered only the maximum number per adult, not per household, which in some states is a different limit.
  • The “Worst” city among individual factors may not rank No. 200 due to ties.
  • Although some dispensaries were marked as “medical only” in PotGuide or WeedMaps (at the time of data collection), we confirmed through various other sources (such as news articles and the dispensaries’ websites) that they sell cannabis for recreational use (as of the time of data collection). In such cases, we credited those cities for those dispensaries.

Sources: Bud and Breakfast, Cannabis Business Times, Cannabiz Media, CelebStoner, Everfest, Green Tripz, Leafly, Marijuana Policy Project, Norml, Other LawnStarter Studies, PotGuide, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. News & World Report, WeedMaps, and Yelp

Media Resources

Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Richie Bernardo

Richie Bernardo

Richie Bernardo is a managing editor who previously wrote about personal finance and immigration. Philippine-born, Kansas City-bred, and barbecue-fed, Richie enjoys baking, deal hunting, and binging “Ancient Aliens.”