By a considerably margin, Oklahoma has the highest percentage of medical marijuana patients in the nation, according to an analysis by The Marijuana Herald, using state regulatory data and data compiled by the Marijuana Policy Project.
As of September 2024, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, with Nebraska voters potentially making it the 39th this November. Among these states, some have notably higher enrollment rates, with a few standing out.
Oklahoma leads the nation with the highest percentage of medical marijuana patients, with approximately 9.5% of the state’s population enrolled in the medical marijuana program. This high enrollment reflects the state’s relatively liberal medical marijuana laws, including the absence of a list of qualifying conditions, which simplifies the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card. Oklahoma also boasts more dispensaries per capita than any other state, despite having a moratorium on new marijuana stores in place since last year.
Maine ranks second, with about 7.6% of its population registered as medical marijuana patients. The state’s well-established program, dating back to 1999, allows residents with a wide range of qualifying conditions to access medical cannabis.
Pennsylvania has seen significant growth in its medical marijuana program, especially as efforts to legalize recreational marijuana have stalled. Approximately 5.49% of the state’s population is registered as medical marijuana patients. Since its launch in 2016, the program has rapidly expanded, offering patients access to a variety of medical cannabis products for a wide array of conditions.
New Mexico, an early adopter of medical marijuana, legalized it in 2007. Currently, about 4.78% of the state’s population is enrolled in its medical marijuana program.
Florida, the third-most populous state in the U.S., rounds out the top five with approximately 3.74% of its population registered in the state’s medical marijuana program. This number has grown steadily since the program’s approval in 2016, reflecting the increasing acceptance and usage of medical cannabis among residents.
Following these states are Arkansas, Montana, and Maryland.
