Portland no longer the best weed city in America, study says.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A dozen years after Colorado and Washington first legalized recreational cannabis, nearly half of states in the United States and the District of Columbia have followed suit, while 37 states have legalized it for medical use only.

In legalized states, marijuana markets have thrived, leading to higher home values and $3 billion in tax revenue flowing into state coffers in 2022. Plus, many pot enthusiasts have moved across the country to states where they can enjoy legal weed.

One of the best cities for leaf lovers to enjoy the high life is Denver, which was named the best weed city in America, according to a 2024 study from Real Estate Witch and Leafly — the leading online resource for cannabis consumers. Portland was the runner-up, followed by Las Vegas.

Portland, the best weed city in 2023, dropped to second place this year, with the city’s shortage of head shops the most likely catalyst. With 1.2 per 100,000 residents, Portland has about half as many as Denver.

Despite this shortage, the city still offers cannabis customers affordability and access. In Portland, one ounce of top-quality weed is only $213, about one-third below the national average of $318. The city boasts 13.7 dispensaries per capita, nearly six times that of the average city.

A wide range of cultural activities give stoners plenty to do while under the influence. Portland has the most movie theaters and second-most hiking trails per capita among all cities studied.

It’s no wonder Portland residents show a lot of enthusiasm for marijuana, visiting Leafly.com nearly three times more often than residents in the average city.