As medical marijuana legalization expands across the United States, the response varies significantly from state to state. This diversity, largely due to differing laws and regulations, has sparked varied levels of interest and engagement among residents.
To understand this, We conducted a study to identify which state shows the greatest interest in medical marijuana.
We’ve blended state-specific population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau with Google monthly search data on medical marijuana-related keywords to calculate the number of searches per 100,000 residents in each state.
Our results show there are 488,230 monthly searches across the country for medical marijuana for our selected group of selected keywords. This number underscores the rapidly growing popularity of medical marijuana.
Despite their massive search volumes, states like California, Texas, New York, and Florida didn’t rank in the top 10 per capita searches due to their larger population.
Mississippi leads the charge with 294.59 searches per 100,000 residents, showcasing the widespread appeal of medical marijuana.
The study reveals intriguing insights into how different states are reacting to and exploring the world of medical marijuana.
Key Findings
- A total of 488,230 monthly searches nationwide signifies that medical marijuana has become a mainstream topic across the U.S.
- Mississippi tops the chart with 294.59 searches per 100,000 residents, indicating a significant shift in interest toward medical marijuana.
- Arkansas (2nd) and Alaska (3rd) closely trail Mississippi, each with 233 and 222 monthly searches per 100,000 residents, highlighting strong interest in medical marijuana in these states.
- Despite their large populations, California, Texas, and Florida don’t rank in the top 10. Significantly, crowded New York’s a close call at rank 17.
- Ranking at the lowest, South Carolina, Idaho, and Oregon show less engagement, with just over 129 monthly searches per 100,000 residents, indicating a relatively lower level of public curiosity in these states.
Ranking the U.S. States by Most Interest in Medical Marijuana, 2024 (Table)
10 Most Interested States in Medical Marijuana
1. Mississippi
Mississippi shines at the top with an impressive 294.59 search frequency per 100K residents, reflecting the strongest curiosity in medical marijuana. This interest, visible through its 8,660 monthly searches despite a population of just under 2.94 million, might stem from evolving local policies or a growing recognition of the benefits of medical marijuana.
2. Arkansas
In Arkansas, for every 100K residents, the search volume is 233, showcasing massive engagement. The state’s 7,160 monthly searches among its 3.07 million population represent a keen interest, likely fueled by an active public intrigue and the impact of medical marijuana in healthcare settings.
3. Alaska
Smaller and less urbanized, Alaska exhibits higher monthly interest levels than more urbanized states. A distinct blend of social and geographical factors bagged 222 searches per 100,000 residents. The state’s 1,630 monthly searches, from a relatively small population, highlight an intense interest in medical marijuana’s potential.
4. Louisiana
Louisiana’s interest in medical marijuana, at 185 searches per 100,000 residents, is both notable and rising. The 8,470 monthly searches against its population suggest a shifting public opinion and an increasing curiosity about the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
5. Illinois
In Illinois, with 180 searches per 100,000 residents, there’s a clear public interest in medical marijuana. The 22,590 monthly searches reflect a significant engagement, possibly linked to changes in health trends or legal frameworks within the state.
6. Kentucky
Kentucky displays a keen interest, with 172 searches per 100,000 residents, evidenced by its 7,770 monthly searches. This suggests a growing acceptance and curiosity about medical marijuana, influenced by the state’s evolving cultural and legal environment.
7. Indiana
Indiana’s marked interest, shown by 159 searches per 100,000 residents, reflects significant public engagement. The 10,890 monthly searches among its 6.86 million population indicate a broad interest, likely driven by healthcare trends and societal discussions on medical marijuana.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut’s engagement in medical marijuana, with 155 searches per 100,000 residents, is noteworthy. The state’s 5,590 monthly searches indicate an increasing openness and awareness about medical marijuana’s benefits despite not having a widespread legal framework in place.
9. Utah
The 9th most curious state in medical marijuana, Utah shows vibrant interest, with 154 searches per 100,000 residents. The state’s 5,260 monthly searches, against its population of 3.42 million, reflect an engaged public, likely driven by the state’s liberal policies and ongoing dialogues about medical marijuana.
10. Kansas
Rounding out the top 10, Kansas shows considerable interest, with 149 searches per 100,000 residents. The state’s 4,390 monthly searches, against its population of nearly 2.94 million, highlight a significant public engagement, aligning with its urban diversity and progressive stance on medical marijuana.
10 Least Interested States in Medical Marijuana
1. Idaho
Despite its nearly 2 million residents, Idaho shows a lower interest in medical marijuana. There are only 2,520 monthly searches, which means a search frequency of just 128.26 per 100K residents.
2. South Carolina
South Carolina, with its 5.37 million people, doesn’t search much for medical marijuana. It has only 6,970 monthly searches, showing a search frequency of 129.71 per 100K.
3. Oregon
Even though Oregon is known for its progressive views, it ranks lower in medical marijuana searches. Out of its 4.23 million population, there are only 5,590 monthly searches, a rate of 132.05 per 100K.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska’s interest in medical marijuana seems moderate. With a population of nearly 1.98 million, the state only has 2,620 monthly searches, leading to a frequency of 132.43 per 100K.
5. Delaware
In Delaware, the interest in medical marijuana isn’t very high. With just over 1 million people, the state sees only 1,370 monthly searches, a frequency of 132.77 per 100K residents.
6. Washington
Despite its liberal stance, Washington shows less curiosity in medical marijuana, with just 10,390 monthly searches among its 7.81 million residents, a frequency of 132.99 per 100K.
7. Ohio
Ohio’s interest in medical marijuana is not as strong as expected. With nearly 11.78 million people, the state sees only 15,680 monthly searches, a frequency of 133.04 per 100K.
8. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s smaller population of about 1.09 million people contributes to its lower number of medical marijuana searches, with just 1,470 monthly searches, or a frequency of 134.13 per 100K.
9. Montana
Montana, with a population of 1.13 million, has a moderate interest in medical marijuana, shown by only 1,530 monthly searches, a frequency of 135.06 per 100K residents.
10. California
Despite its large population, California’s interest in medical marijuana is relatively lower than expected. With 52,800 monthly searches among its nearly 39 million residents, the search frequency is 135.51 per 100K, lower than other states.
Methodology
To gauge the interest in medical marijuana across U.S. states, we employed a two-step methodology:
Collection of Google Search Data:
- We identified a set of key search terms relevant to the topic, encompassing a range of queries related to medical marijuana.
- Using SEMrush, we tracked the total monthly search volume for these keywords in each state.
Combining Search Data with Population Statistics:
- We sourced recent population data for each state from the U.S. Census Bureau.
- To standardize the data for fair comparison across states, we normalized it by calculating the number of searches per 100,000 residents by dividing each state’s total search volume by its population and multiplying by 100,000.
Data Analysis:
- Combining the two data sets, we ranked the states based on their per capita interest in medical marijuana. Higher search rates per 100,000 residents indicated greater interest.
- Considering search volume and population size, this ranking offered insights into which states showed the most interest.
This methodology combines detailed search data with demographic insights, presenting an equitable and comprehensive view of the interest in medical marijuana across different states in the U.S.
