Nine states where the going is tough for physical and mental health

Some states lack the conditions that contribute to the mental and physical well-being of their residents.

A study published this year by Leafwell, a medical marijuana practice, examined factors such as physical inactivity, frequent mental distress, and life expectancy.

Each state received a score based on 100, and, while the rankings were respectful, some states scored poorly. This slideshow lists the nine states that scored below 30 points.

"As we delve into the intricacies of each state's health metrics, it becomes evident that factors such as access to exercise opportunities, median household income, and mental health resources play pivotal roles in shaping the well-being of communities,” Leafwell Research Director Mitchell L. Doucette, PhD, MS, said in a news release. “By highlighting the positive attributes of states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, and others in the top rankings, this data aims to inspire conversations and initiatives that prioritize comprehensive approaches to improve the quality of life for residents nationwide.”

Additional criteria were median household income, access to exercise opportunities, poor mental health days, and population. The data source was the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.