Cannabis Dispensaries Outnumber McDonald’s Across US: ‘It’s All About Location’
In a shift reflecting America’s changing attitudes towards cannabis, the number of cannabis dispensaries has surpassed that of McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) restaurants, showing an evolution in consumer trends and legal frameworks. With a majority of the U.S. population now living in states where recreational marijuana use is legal, the industry’s expansion is now noticeable.
A Nationwide Transformation
Recent analyses by the Pew Research Center highlight that over half of Americans reside in areas permitting recreational cannabis use, a mere twelve years following Colorado and Washington’s leading legalization efforts.
Additionally, an overwhelming 74% of Americans are in states where marijuana use, whether for recreational or medical purposes, is lawful. This surge has led to the establishment of nearly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries nationwide, outstripping the approximate 13,500 McDonald’s locations in 2023.
California boasts the highest number of dispensaries, contributing a quarter …