In a world-first study led by a stringent team of researchers at The University of Connecticut, a direct link has been found between US counties which have legalised recreational cannabis and an increase in sales in a number of munchies.
The study, published on the Social Science Research Network, compared trends in a number of snacks in states that have legalised cannabis including Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
Results showed that since legalisation, ice cream sales were up 3.1%, chips were up 5.3% (that’s Smith’s, not Maccas), and cookies grew 4.1% – all immediately after the new laws were passed legalising cannabis.
It seems like folks got over chips & ice cream fairly quick, however, with sales slumping in the following months. Cookies, on the other hand, remained a fan favourite and continued a steady sales increase.
Michele Baggio, an assistant professor of economics who conducted the study with some partners concluded that:
These might seem like small numbers…but they’re statistically significant and economically significant as well.
He also mentioned he’s impartial towards legalisation or not, and was simply curious as to possible unintended consequences of cannabis legalisation.
Will we see the same sort of phenomenon in Australia when cannabis is finally legalised? Only time will tell. In the meantime, it seems like a wise time to invest in the cookie business.
