Does Legalizing Marijuana Reduce Crime?

DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?

by Julian Morris September 2018

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DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1:

DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?................................................................1 1.1 EFFECTS ON CRIMES RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION

AND USE OF MARIJUANA ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 EFFECTS ON OTHER DRUG USE............................................................................................... 3 1.3 EFFECTS ON PROPERTY CRIME ............................................................................................... 4 1.4 EFFECTS ON VIOLENT CRIME................................................................................................... 5 1.5 EFFECTS ON TRAFFIC CRIMES ................................................................................................. 8 1.6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................... 9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ......................................................................................................................................11

Julian Morris | Does Legalizing Marijuana Reduce Crime?

DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?

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PART 1

DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?

Proponents of legalizing marijuana for recreational use say that it will reduce crime. Opponents say it will have the opposite effect. This brief explores the issue, addressing the several ways that marijuana legalization might affect crime.

1.1

EFFECTS ON CRIMES RELATED TO THE PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF MARIJUANA

Legalization might be expected to reduce the number of people involved in illegal activities related to marijuana production, distribution and use.

In Washington State, which legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2013, the number of low-level court filings for marijuana fell by 98% between 2012 and 2013.1 The number of adults (over 21) convicted for misdemeanor possession fell from 297 in January to 0 in

1 ACLU Washington. "Court Filings for Adult Marijuana Possession Plummet." March 19, 2014.

Julian Morris | Does Legalizing Marijuana Reduce Crime?

DOES LEGALIZING MARIJUANA REDUCE CRIME?

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January 2013--and has remained there since.2 Meanwhile, the number of those under 21 convicted for possession fell by about 50% between 2012 and 2013.3

In Colorado, the number of cases brought against people for cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana fell by 85% in the first full year of legal sales (2014) compared to the average in the three years prior to legalization (2010?2012).4

Similar declines in charges and convictions were seen in jurisdictions that subsequently legalized recreational cannabis, including Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, D.C.5

From this evidence, it is clear that, while legalization does not necessarily eliminate illegal production, distribution and sale of marijuana, it tends to diminish it dramatically.

From this evidence, it is clear that, while legalization does not necessarily eliminate illegal production, distribution and sale of marijuana, it tends to diminish it dramatically. As a result, it relieves the burden placed on courts, law enforcement and prisons, allowing for greater focus on violent crime. It also appears to have reduced use of marijuana by minors.

2 Darnell, A.J. and K. Bitney. I-502 Evaluation and Benefit-Cost Analysis: Second Required Report. (Document Number 17-09-3201). Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. 2017. 31.

3 Ibid. 32.

4 Gettman, Jon. Marijuana Arrests in Colorado After the Passage of Amendment 64, New York: Drug Policy Alliance. 4.pdf Note that the right for individuals to possess, cultivate and use marijuana in Colorado came into effect on December 10, 2012, but legal sales did not begin until January 1, 2014. Arrests and convictions fell significantly in 2013 but since commercial cultivation and sales were still illegal, this brief omits that year from the analysis.

5 Drug Policy Alliance, From Prohibition to Progress: A Status Report on Marijuana Legalization.

Julian Morris | Does Legalizing Marijuana Reduce Crime?

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