Crime Has Drastically Declined In Uruguay Since They Made The Move To Legalize Cannabis
Several years ago, back in 2013, Uruguay decided to take a different approach to the war on drugs and they made the move to fully legalize cannabis in the country. In doing so, they became the first country that was recognized to allow the sale, consumption, and growing, of cannabis.
And since July of 2017, it's reported that both the possession and sale of cannabis have been legal in the country.
People who live there now, not including tourists, are able to grow their own cannabis or they can purchase it from licensed pharmacies in the country or gain access through cannabis clubs. And despite making the announcement that they wanted to embrace this sort of change several years ago, it's taken a decent amount of time to put their plan into action.
fueling a drastic drop in crime...
apparently the move has contributed a notable decrease in crime for the region. Since they've made the changes to allow for cannabis growing, selling, and consumption, they've allegedly seen at least a 20 percent reduction in crime.
With their legalization model, they have permitted their citizens to be able to grow up to 6 plants at home.
For those who purchase cannabis from a licensed pharmacy, they allegedly have their information collected and shared with the government. This has caused some to worry about privacy concerns in regards to their purchases and likely discourages some from purchasing cannabis.
It's not just Uruguay that has seen benefits from allowing people there to access cannabis in a lawful manner either.
A previous study that was published in The Economic Journal found similar results with producing a drastic reduction in crime rates. According to that study, violent crime (murders, aggravated assaults, robberies etc) saw a decline of roughly 12.5 percent after legalization was introduced in the US.
Making the decision to permit other people to use their freedom to use cannabis if they want to, shouldn't hinge on whether or not legalization fuels a decrease in crime or an increase, mind you. But it is interesting to see surprising results like this arise, especially given the frequency with which critics of cannabis like to suggest that endorsing such freedom might fuel an unstoppable crime wave.
Pics:
Pixabay
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uruguay-marijuana-vote/uruguay-becomes-first-country-to-legalize-marijuana-trade-idUSBRE9BA01520131211
https://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Crime-Rate-Drops-but-Uruguay-Struggles-with-Illicit-Sale-of-Cannabis-to-Tourists-20180113-0015.html
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/308557
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/medical-marijuana-legalisation-cannabis-us-states-violent-crime-drop-numbers-study-california-new-a8160311.html
https://news.lift.co/five-years-effects-legalization-colorado-washington-state/
https://coloradopolitics.com/despite-claims-data-show-legalized-marijuana-not-increased-crime-rates/
https://merryjane.com/news/violent-crime-has-decreased-in-washington-state-since-cannabis-legalization
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/medical-marijuana-legalisation-cannabis-us-states-violent-crime-drop-numbers-study-california-new-a8160311.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/04/03/more-pot-safer-roads-marijuana-legalization-could-bring-unexpected-benefits/#5292d65f38d6
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NY needs to do that now maybe then there wouldn’t be SOO much crime and racial profiling . Can you believe that they check people’s bags while taking trains ? They target “blacks” mostly .
Free marijuana , make life easier for everyone
Don’t let Jeff Sessions see this. His head would explode.
Restoring personal freedom (I mean abolishing laws that violate freedoms) is bound to reduce crime and create a happier society. As for cannabis and hard drugs, there is a black market to compensate for what people want and crime comes with it.
Thank you for your information and good post.
This post invites us to fight drugs, is this noble job, because drugs have been proven to damage the soul.?
All due respect, you missed the point of this post.
The point is, states and countries that have made moves in favor of legalizing cannabis have seen many benefits in the quality of living in those areas.
Drugs are man made, imo, and this is a plant we are talking about. There’s absolutely no reason to make it a crime to cultivate, grow, and use personally.
Cannabis is not only a weed and a drug. Before, when it was not banned in Russia, it was a useful plant. Were made from fabric that has excellent properties. It is safe and environmentally friendly for humans, does not cause allergies. It was the best natural fabric in my country. Also used to feed cattle, and birds. The absence of a ban did not lead to the fact that there were many drug addicts. So prohibition is not the most effective remedy against drug addiction.
This is one of those things that will be argued over for years.
Yes, the results are real.
But, what really caused the results?
Maybe it was that arrests went down, because they stopped arresting stoners.
Maybe it was that people need to steal less to get their weed.
Maybe it was because some overt control was released, and it was that oppression that caused the outbursts.
Maybe...
makes sense, get them stoned. criminals can't be bothered to go anywhere.
See? We Dutch aren't as crazy as they say 8-).
Leftwing Tabaré Vázquez won clear victory in Sunday’s presidential poll, and will stand by legislation to introduce world’s first state-run cannabis marketplace....
It makes sense, given that so much violent crime is tied up with the supply of illegal drugs.
Well referenced!