The Implications of Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization in the United States

• In Event: Smoking, Drinking and Driving: Impacts of New Regulation Policies

Abstract

An increasing number of states have decriminalized marijuana or legalized marijuana for recreational use and medical purposes. As laws continue to rapidly change, so too, do societal attitudes toward legalization and decriminalization. One of the prominent arguments supporting the legalization/distribution of marijuana is the decrease in crime that will potentially follow. Through analysis of 2014 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data for all 50 states, this research will examine the effect, if any, that decriminalization of recreational and legalization of medical marijuana has had on violent crime, property crime, and arrests for drug abuse violations. Preliminary results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in property or violent crime rates in states that have decriminalized marijuana or legalized marijuana for recreational or medical purposes. High school graduation rate appears to be the best predictor of property and violent crime rates.

Authors

• Shana L. Maier, Widener University

• Suzanne Mannes, Widener University