The Likely Effects of Legalized Marijuana

Introduction

In the United States, the use, possession, sale, cultivation and transportation of marijuana is illegal under federal law. Nonetheless, an estimated 18 million people were using marijuana in 2011. Some states have taken a different approach. Although state law cannot ‘overrule’ federal law, as of November 9, 2016, the states of Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington have legalized the use of both recreational and medical marijuana as a matter of state law.

The Effects

Much has been written about the pros or cons of legalizing recreational marijuana. Some of the more commonly-mentioned pros and cons are listed below.

  1. Pros
  2. Colorado:
  • A 2017 study reported that the legalization of marijuana has caused a reduction in violent crime.
  • The state has reported increased state revenues.
  • The population also increased by 6.5%.
  1. Oregon:
  • Oregon has also reported an increase in state tax revenue.
  • There is a reduction in arrest rates for marijuana related offenses.
  • Violent crime rates have decreased along with lowered rates of murder.
  • Washington:
  • In Washington, marijuana possession arrest rates decreased by 98%.
  1. Cons
  2. Colorado:
  • There is an approximate increase by 15% of babies born with THC in their blood.
  • The development of homes was also unable to keep up with the influx of people resulting in soaring rent costs and home values.
  • It has been reported that there is an increase in marijuana related traffic deaths, poison control calls, and emergency room visits.
  • Although marijuana has been legalized, the marijuana black market has increased instead of decreased.
  • Many Colorado marijuana regulators have been indicted due to corruption.
  • A study by the Review of Economic Studies reported that college students with access to recreational marijuana has worse grades and have a higher failure rate.
  1. Washington:
  • Although marijuana related arrests have decreased dramatically, the disparities in arrest rates between black and white citizens remain.
  • Oregon:
  • The use of marijuana has increased among college students but is mainly seen in those who also reported heavy drinking. Researchers note that this could be because teens who drink heavily are more open to other forms of substance use.

The statistical likelihood of marijuana to contribute to automobile collisions

In both Colorado and Washington, the traffic fatality rates after the legalization of marijuana have remained statistically consistent. The rates are lower compared to a decade ago and lower than the national rate. However, although overall fatal crash rates are consistent, drivers involved in fatal crashes were more likely to test positive for marijuana. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  has commented that marijuana impairment cannot be measured the same way alcohol impairment can.

Conclusion

Despite all the effects we have seen so far, a report from the Drug Policy Alliance that favors marijuana legalization acknowledges that it is still too early to draw any definite conclusions regarding the effects of marijuana legalization. An analysis by the CATO Institute also concluded that insufficient time has elapsed to allow a definite inference regarding the definite effects of marijuana legalization.

Please don’t take anything you read here as medical or legal advice. If you need medical or legal advice, consult a doctor or lawyer. The articles and content that appear on this website have been written by different people and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization.

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