Perceived Public Safety Impacts and Support for Marijuana Legalization in the Garden State

• In Event: Policy Panel: Recreational Marijuana Legalization in New Jersey: Examining Public Opinion, Policy Change, and Crime Impacts

Abstract

Objective: Despite widespread political polarization on many crime policy issues, some form of marijuana legalization has been enacted in most American states, a reality consistent with broad public support for marijuana reform often reflected in national public opinion polling. Focused on residents of a single state (New Jersey), this paper identifies correlates of general support for legalization and the potentially complex underpinnings for this support.

Data/Methods: We analyzed novel data from a population-representative sample of New Jersey residents (N=1,006) collected shortly after the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults through a lengthy process featuring equity measures. We report descriptive data on intersections of politics, race, personal cannabis use, perceived public safety impacts, and support for legalization, then connect these aspects to views on how cannabis tax revenue should be spent.

Results: Findings indicate points of alignment and divergence in support for and perceived impacts of legalization across racial and political groups and people with personal cannabis use. Most New Jerseyans do not anticipate crime increases, but expectations varied significantly across political affiliations.

Discussion/Implications: These patterns, contextualized by previous state-level reform initiatives, reveal the variable concerns surrounding legalization and social equity relevant for the implementation and sustainment of drug policy reforms.

Authors

• Nate Link, Rutgers University, Camden

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Kathleen Powell, Drexel University

• Steven L. Chanenson, Villanova University