What Has Legalizing Cannabis Really Done?
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We have come very far with cannabis reform in many states! Although we still have ways to go when it comes to our national policy, we should still take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments so far! So far, states that have chosen to legalize cannabis have seen positive influences on crime, making the argument as to why cannabis should be legalized nationwide!
For those states that have legalized cannabis so far, have taken notice that there has been a great decline in crime. Especially here in Las Vegas! We have noticed a substantial reduction in offenses since 2017, the first year of Ballot Question #2 being upheld.
According to the annual Uniform Crime Reports issued by the FBI, there has been a significant drop in crimes related to murder, violence, burglary and theft. 2017, saw about an estimated 16,663 cases related to violent crimes and about 266 of those being murders. By 2019, those violent crimes have dropped down to about 15,210. Totaling to around 143 for murders that year.
These trends aren’t only seen in Nevada. The same can be said for other pro-states, one of the most prominent being Washington! In the same case report proved by the FBI, Washington has seen crime rates drop since first legalizing cannabis. During the first year of legalizing cannabis, 2012 saw about 217 murders. By 2019 those numbers had dropped 198 murders. Although it is fair to mention that those numbers have bounced around but have stated relatively low.
There has been an ever growing urgency when it comes to the push for cannabis reform. Many people have been calling for their local governments to legalize cannabis and help those who have been incarcerated and serving intense sentences due to non-violent offenses. There has been an ever growing trend in states who have worked to legalize cannabis! Not only are these states earning more in taxes to help better enrich schools and resources, but also legalized cannabis helps to create safer communities, seen time after time again.
There are still many states, with many people who are suffering from these sentences, that still have not worked to legalize cannabis. To have your voice heard, contact your local elected officials. You can do this by calling them or writing emails. We now have the proof of these positive trends and can argue for nation-wide legalization!
Sources: Nevada Crime Rates, Washington Crime Rates
Images: Aaron Kittredge, Kindel Media, Thrillest
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You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!