Crime, Laws, and Legalization: Perceptions of Marijuana Dispensary Workers

• In Event: Criminal Justice Politics and Policy I

Abstract

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado has complicated the relationships between local, state, and federal governments. Such challenges have trickled down to proprietors, managers, and employees within the new billion-dollar industry. Dispensary owners, managers, and employees often must navigate the implementation of new laws in how they operate their business. The current study surveys marijuana dispensaries across Colorado in order to explore employees' perceptions of federal banking laws, their fear victimization, and concerns with state laws conflicting with federal laws, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election.

Authors

• Andrew John Thompson, University of Northern Colorado

• Kyle C. Ward, University of Northern Colorado

• Mary Evans, University of Northern Colorado

• Brian M. Iannacchione, University of Northern Colorado