This paper
investigates the socioeconomic dynamics of marijuana consumption in the United
States following legalization, using data from the National Survey on Drug Use
and Health (NSDUH) spanning 2014-2020. The analysis employs fixed-effect
Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to explore three key stages of legalization:
regulation, medical, and recreational. Results reveal a significant increase in
marijuana consumption associated with recreational legalization, while medical
legalization shows no statistically significant impact. Positive relationships
between consumption and median income, along with negative relationships with
income inequality and unemployment rates among highly educated individuals,
underscore the nuanced effects of legalization. The study contributes insights
for policymakers, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, awareness
campaigns, and evidence-based regulations.
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