Which Has a Greater Impact on Crime Rates: Alcohol and Tobacco Sales or Marijuana Sales?

With the legalization of marijuana, many communities have resisted the opening of marijuana dispensaries in their neighborhoods. However, research shows that the opening of marijuana sales points does not contribute to an increase in crime, unlike the sale of alcohol and tobacco.

There is a common misconception in society that people who use marijuana are potential criminals. Hopefully, it is now clear that this belief is mistaken, as the calming effects of marijuana do not promote violence or aggression. Recent studies support this conclusion.

Research Findings on Crime and Substance Sales

An analytical report by the University of California, San Jose State University, the University of Kansas, and Loyola University compared data on how marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco stores in South Los Angeles affect local crime rates. The findings were unexpectedly favorable for marijuana compared to alcohol and tobacco.

According to the study, crime rates in the immediate vicinity of tobacco and alcohol stores were much higher than the overall crime rates in those areas. However, this was not the case for medical marijuana dispensaries, which did not affect crime rates.

The analytical report has already been published in the official journal Preventive Medicine. This university research contradicts the beliefs of many U.S. officials and puts them in a difficult position. For example, the U.S. Attorney General claimed that marijuana legalization would lead to increased crime, although he had no evidence to support his theory. On the contrary, numerous studies have found a correlation between marijuana and lower crime rates.

One study published in the Journal of Urban Economics claims that closing marijuana dispensaries actually leads to an “immediate increase in crime.” Another study from the University at Buffalo also showed that people who use marijuana are much less prone to violence.

Conflicting Opinions and the Need for Further Research

To be fair, some studies suggest that marijuana use can provoke aggressive behavior. More extensive research is likely needed to fully understand both the positive and negative correlations between marijuana and crime.

For example, some experts argue that “the presence of video surveillance in marijuana dispensaries may be a reason for reduced crime.” They also note that “the lower crime rates compared to retail alcohol and tobacco stores can be explained by many factors.” Many experts question who exactly participated in the studies and what specific correlations were found between marijuana and crime rates.

Overall, there is relatively little research on the impact of marijuana on crime, and additional studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions. There are many conflicting opinions and stereotypes, which may be mistaken or even harmful. Unfortunately, in recent years, anti-marijuana propaganda has painted users as lazy and foolish smokers.

It’s important not to jump to extremes. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. While marijuana affects each person differently, it very rarely provokes aggression. It seems reasonable to trust the latest report’s findings that medical marijuana dispensaries do not lead to increased crime. This is good news for the rapidly growing marijuana industry.