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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