“Debate has surrounded the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes for decades. Some have argued medical marijuana legalization (MML) poses a threat to public health and safety, perhaps also affecting crime rates. In recent years, some U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, reigniting political and public interest in the impact of marijuana legalization on a range of outcomes.
Relying on U.S. state panel data, we analyzed the association between state MML and state crime rates for all Part I offenses collected by the FBI.
Results did not indicate a crime exacerbating effect of MML on any of the Part I offenses. Alternatively, state MML may be correlated with a reduction in homicide and assault rates, net of other covariates.
“No correlation between medical marijuana legalization, crime increase: Legalization may reduce homicide, assault rates” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140326182049.htm
“Medical Marijuana’s Legalization Doesn’t Raise Crime Rates: Study” http://consumer.healthday.com/mental-health-information-25/behavior-health-news-56/briefs-emb-3-26-5pmet-medical-pot-crime-plos-one-utd-release-batch-1198-686131.html
“Legalization of medical marijuana does not lead to increased crime, and may even be tied to lower rates of offenses such as assault and murder, a new study suggests.” http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20140326/medical-marijuanas-legalization-doesnt-raise-crime-rates-study
“Marijuana use reduces violent crime: Study” http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Marijuana-use-reduces-violent-crime-Study/articleshow/32777752.cms
“No, legalizing medical marijuana doesn’t lead to crime, according to actual crime stats…In fact, states that have legalized it appear to have seen some reductions in the rates of homicide and assault.” http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/03/26/no-legalizing-medical-marijuana-doesnt-lead-to-crime-according-to-actual-crime-stats/?tid=pm_business_pop