The Impact of Marijuana on Law Enforcement in Surrounding States

• In Event: Reexamining the Crime and Drug Nexus

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado has impacted police officers in neighboring states. Legalization has complicated the relationships between local, state, and federal governments (Cambron, Guttannova, & Flemming, 2017). The study utilized multistage cluster sampling of municipal and county police officers in Kansas, Wyoming, and Nebraska. These states were selected as they are bordering Colorado to the east and north, had not yet legalized medical or recreational marijuana, and were on the side of the Colorado Rocky Mountains where most of Colorado’s Dispensaries are located. Police officers were asked about their personal perception of marijuana and the perceived impact legalization of marijuana in Colorado has had on enforcement in their area. This study attempts to fill gaps in the literature and inform criminal justice policy on potential unintended consequences in marijuana legalization of neighboring states from the perspective of law enforcement.

Authors

• Alexandra S Murphy, University Of Northern Colorado

• Paul Lucas, Fort Hays State University

• Kyle C. Ward, University of Northern Colorado