More states are legalizing cannabis every year. While each market is unique, thought leaders and entrepreneurs keep an eye on performance to discern growth opportunities. With the majority of people living with legal weed, industry pros and consumers may be curious about which locations are booming. According to new data from LeafLink, an unexpected leader in pot sales is emerging: the Last Frontier.
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Numbers released in the summer 2024 edition of Insights Into The State of the U.S. Cannabis Industry indicates Alaska residents purchase more pot than any other legal state. The survey shows dispensary shoppers spend $366 per year on cannabis, by far the highest per capita pot spend in the nation.
LeafLink’s corporate development manager, Ben Burstein, believes tourism plays a big role in the state’s stoney success.
“The state’s geographic dynamics and low population create a market where stores are focused on accessing tourist dollars during the summer season,” Burstein told GreenState. “These tourists drive a large portion of sales in the state, similar to other tourist-heavy markets with high per-resident sales like Nevada.”
The runner-up, with $324 spend per resident, is Michigan. The Midwest marijuana capitol has been neck-and-neck with market leader California in retail sales. Analysts believe wide availability and affordable products put Michigan in the winners’ circle.
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On the other end of the spectrum sits New York, where people spend $20 a year on cannabis. This may be surprising, given the fact that New York City smokes more weed than any other city. However, the dense population and competition from a thriving illicit market means fewer people are shopping at regulated dispensaries overall.
The U.S. national average for weed sales is $91 per resident. The report authors concluded the number “showcases the diverse landscape of cannabis consumption across the U.S. and highlights the variance in market maturity and consumer adoption from state to state.”
The fact that tourism is driving high sales in states like Alaska shows a need to cater to people seeking a buzz on vacation. More states are opening consumption lounges and other canna-centric experiences, a trend that’s likely to continue, as shown by the LeafLink data.
