Punitiveness, Media, and Crime Attributions: What Shapes Attitudes Toward Cannabis Legalization?

• In Event: Public Discourses and their influence in policy creation

Abstract

The debate on the partial legalization of cannabis remains a controversial issue in Germany, touching on both socio-political and legal questions. While proponents highlight the relief of the judicial system and the benefits of a regulated distribution, critics warn of health risks and the potential normalization of cannabis use.
Theoretically, the study is based on criminological, socio-psychological, and media-related approaches that consider factors such as political orientation, punitiveness, authoritarianism, crime attributions, media use, and personal drug use patterns as predictors of attitudes toward the partial legalization of cannabis.
Using data from a quantitative online survey of law students at the University of Münster (n = 319), this study examines attitudes toward the partial legalization of cannabis and the influencing factors shaping opinions on this drug and criminal policy issue. Our findings show that conservative political beliefs and punitiveness are associated with stronger opposition to legalization. Additionally, crime attributions, the perception of incivilities (e.g., public disorder), and the quality of consumed media significantly impact attitudes toward legalization. Finally, the paper discusses criminal and drug policy implications based on these findings.

Authors

• Stefanie Kemme, University of Münster

• Antonia Küssner, Universität Münster

• Luigi Droste, University of Muenster, Institute of Sociology

• Anna Maier, Ruhr University Bochum, Institute of Social Sciences