Introduction
Recreational marijuana use was legalized in Washington and Colorado. Both Washington and Oregon government officials have evaluated the impact of legalization. Various other organizations and professionals have also evaluated the impact of marijuana on these states. Although some impacts have been positive, the overall effect of marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado has been negative.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana, traffic deaths relating to marijuana have increased.
Legalization of recreational marijuana has resulted in an increase of marijuana use among adults and youth.
Treatment for substance abuse, specifically marijuana, has increased.
Legalization of marijuana has resulted in an increase of crimes associated with the use of marijuana.
Legalized marijuana use has resulted in an increase in the abuse of other drugs, including alcohol.
Conclusion
Increased use, dependence, elevated crime and rise in abuse of other mood altering drugs have been the result of legalized marijuana in Washington and Colorado. Although state revenue has increased, the negative results clearly show that the overall effect of legalization has been negative.
References
Blake, D., & Finlaw, J. (2014). Marijuana Legalization in Colorado: Learned Lessons. Harvard Law & Policy Review, 8, 359. Retrieved from http://harvardlpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/HLP204.pdf
Washington State Office of Financial Management. (2015). Monitoring Impacts of Recreational Marijuana Legalization. Baseline Report, Washington State Office of Financial Management, Forecasting and Research Division. Retrieved from http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reports/marijuana_impacts_2015.pdf
Wong, K., & Clarke, C. (2015). The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact. Rocky Moutain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Retrieved from https://www.coloradopotguide.com/media/2987/2015-hidta.pdf
