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                            Library & Multimedia
 Racial Disparities in the Wake of Cannabis Legalization: Documenting Persistence and Change
NCJ Number
              307696
Journal

*Race and Justice* Volume: 0 Issue: 0 Dated: 2022 Pages: 1-18
Author(s)
          Dale W. Willits;
                        Brittany Solensten;
                        Mikala Meize;
                        Mary K. Stohr;
                        David A. Makin;
                        Craig Hemmens;
                        Duane L. Stanton;
                        Nicholas P. Lovrich
Date Published

2022
Length
              18 pages
Annotation
              This study assesses whether legalization of cannabis helps alleviate racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
              The authors explore trends in cannabis arrests to assess whether legalization of cannabis helps alleviate racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The results demonstrate a general decline in cannabis arrests for nearly all racial groups, yet these declines were not consistent across racial groups or even across states. Moreover, substantial racial disparities persist following legalization, especially in Colorado. Overall, evidence suggests that while legalization has likely had a net positive effect on overrepresented populations by decreasing criminal justice contact, it is not a panacea and may only be minimally important for addressing disparities. The study uses UCR data from Colorado and Washington disaggregated by rates using interrupted time-series analysis, linear mixed models, and data visualizations.  (Published Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2016-R2-CX-0058


  
  
        
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        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement and Crime
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2022
    
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      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Social and Behavioral Science
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        Racial and Ethnic Disparities
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        Marijuana



  
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