For many years, proponents have argued that legalizing medicinal cannabis provides a safe and effective method of therapy for a variety of medical problems. On the other hand, a recent study published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies sheds additional insight on the possible influence of this policy adjustment on crime rates.
The impact of legalizing marijuana on crime is varied. Some studies have found that legalizing cannabis reduces crime rates, while others have found that it increases crime rates.
Drop in Crime Rates
Research published in the journal Criminology & Public Policy showed that legalizing recreational cannabis reduced violent crime rates. According to research published in the journal Justice Quarterly, the legalization of medical cannabis resulted in a drop in property crime rates. Research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered that legalizing cannabis reduced drug-related arrests.
Studies that demonstrate an increase in crime rates include:
According to research published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the legalization of recreational cannabis increased highway deaths. According to a recent study, the legalization of medicinal cannabis increased violent crime rates.
The study, which looked at data from numerous states that authorized medicinal cannabis between 1990 and 2006, discovered that there was a considerable rise in violent crime rates in these locations after the substance was legalized. The researchers found that aggravated assault rates increased by around 25% in states that approved medicinal cannabis vs those that did not.
Cannabis Shops
While the causes for this spike in violent crime rates are unclear, the study’s authors speculate that it may be connected to the fact that medicinal cannabis shops are frequently targeted for criminal activities. These dispensaries are frequently cash-based and poorly regulated, rendering them subject to theft and other sorts of criminal activity.
Regardless of these findings, it is crucial to highlight that the study only looked at the influence of medical cannabis legalization on violent crime rates and did not include any potential advantages or drawbacks of this policy move. More study is needed to properly understand the effects of medical cannabis legalization on public safety and crime rates, as well as to establish effective mitigation techniques for the dangers connected with this policy shift.
It should be noted that research on the effects of legalized cannabis on crime is still in its early phases. More study is needed to assess the impact of legalization, both good and bad, on crime rates.
Possible Influences
States with a better-controlled cannabis business have experienced a lower increase in crime rates. Law enforcement techniques: States that focus on education and prevention in their law enforcement procedures have experienced a lower increase in crime rates.
Social determinants: States with lower levels of poverty and inequality have witnessed a lower increase in crime rates.
It is also worth noting that the effects of legalizing cannabis on crime may differ depending on the type of crime. For example, some studies have found that legalizing cannabis reduces drug-related crime, while others have found that it increases road deaths.
Overall, the research on the effects of legalizing marijuana on crime is conflicting. More study is required to comprehend the impact of legalization on crime rates completely and the elements that may influence this impact.
