The effect of marijuana legalization on crime in Alaska
Authors: Oluwabusayo Adijat Bello  
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of marijuana legalization on crime rates in Alaska, following the state's landmark decision to legalize recreational marijuana in 2014. With a focus on understanding the broader implications of this policy change, the research examines shifts in crime patterns, including violent crime, property crime, and drug-related offenses, over a period spanning before and after legalization. The legalization of marijuana in Alaska was intended to reduce the burden on law enforcement, decrease illegal drug trade, and generate economic benefits through taxation and regulation. However, there is ongoing debate about the effects of legalization on crime rates. While proponents argue that legalization could reduce crime by eliminating black market activities, opponents fear that it may lead to an increase in criminal behavior, particularly in drug-related offenses. This study seeks to address the conflicting views by providing empirical evidence on the actual impact of marijuana legalization on crime in Alaska. Current literature on the effects of marijuana legalization on crime presents mixed findings. Some studies suggest a decrease in certain types of crime, such as drug possession offenses, while others report no significant change or even an increase in crimes such as driving under the influence or theft. The existing frameworks often focus on larger states or aggregate data across multiple regions, potentially overlooking state-specific factors that could influence outcomes. Alaska's unique geographical, social, and economic characteristics make it an important case study to understand the localized impact of marijuana legalization on crime.
While there has been considerable research on the effects of marijuana legalization in states like Colorado and Washington, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis focused specifically on Alaska. Additionally, existing studies often fail to incorporate qualitative perspectives from law enforcement, policymakers, and community members, which are crucial for understanding the contextual factors influencing crime trends. This research aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed, state-specific analysis of the relationship between marijuana legalization and crime in Alaska, incorporating both quantitative data and qualitative insights.
The study employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing crime statistics from official state databases alongside qualitative interviews with stakeholders, including police officers, local government officials, and community leaders. The quantitative component involves a time-series analysis of crime rates before and after legalization, while the qualitative component seeks to contextualize these trends by exploring perceptions and experiences related to marijuana legalization. The results of this study are expected to offer a nuanced understanding of how marijuana legalization has influenced crime in Alaska, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. By identifying the specific types of crime affected by legalization and exploring the underlying causes, this research will contribute to the broader discourse on drug policy and its implications for public safety and community well-being. The findings will also have important implications for other states considering marijuana legalization, offering lessons that can be applied to future policy decisions.
Keywords: Marijuana Legalization, Crime Rates, Alaska, Drug Policy, Public Safety, Violent Crime, Property Crime, Drug-Related Offenses.