The Pew Research Center’s latest findings reveal that an overwhelming majority of Americans, 79%, reside in counties that host at least one licensed marijuana dispensary, highlighting the growing accessibility and normalization of cannabis in the United States. This extensive analysis, drawing attention to the nearly 15,000 dispensaries operating nationwide, particularly emphasizes the strategic placement of these establishments near state borders to cater to consumers from less permissive states.
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Dispensaries are not randomly distributed across the United States; rather, they are often strategically located to attract cross-border traffic. According to the Pew Research Center, “one in every five dispensaries in the U.S. is located within 20 miles of a state border,” with 29% of these border dispensaries adjoining a neighboring state with stricter cannabis laws. This phenomenon points to a keen business acumen among dispensary owners, aiming to capitalize on the varying degrees of legalization across states. California stands out with the highest number of dispensaries, totaling 3,659, underscoring the state’s leading role in the cannabis industry.
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Contrary to concerns of potential negative impacts, several studies cited by the Pew Research Center report that licensed dispensaries are often associated with increased home values and decreases in