Does marijuana legalization free police to solve more serious, violent crimes?
A recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy suggests that is true.
The study looked at crime clearance rates in Oregon from 2007 to 2017. Oregon legalized adult-use marijuana in 2014.
Researches found that clearance rates improved after 2014. Police solved more violent crimes than counterparts in prohibition states.
A 2018 study examining clearance rates in Washington and Colorado found similar results.
This is also consistent with studies showing overall crime rates in states that legalized marijuana either held steady or declined.
It makes sense intuitively, doesn’t it?
If police aren’t arrested persons for non-violent drug offenses, then there’s more time and resources to commit to solving crimes that significantly impact public safety.
