The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has compiled a significant body of research on the effects of cannabis legalization on health, safety, and the economy in states where cannabis for adult or recreational use is legal. The data largely refutes the concerns often cited by politicians as reasons for their hesitation to endorse recreational cannabis use, indicating these apprehensions are largely unfounded.
Adolescent Use and Public Health: The introduction of regulations for adult-use cannabis does not correlate with a rise in marijuana usage among adolescents. Comparative studies across states with different legal statuses for cannabis (illicit, medical, and adult use) reveal that in states with regulated cannabis, there is an increase in the age of first use, a decrease in the number of days cannabis is used within a month by individuals aged 16-20, and a reduction in driving under the influence of cannabis incidents. This suggests that regulation can foster safer cannabis-related behaviors without increasing its overall usage.
Crime and Safety: Contrary to widespread concerns, the opening of cannabis retail outlets has not led to an increase in criminal activities. Evidence shows that legalization and the presence of dispensaries might actually contribute to a decrease in certain crimes without promoting the use of harder substances or inciting violent criminal actions.
Traffic Safety: The availability of medical cannabis has shown no negative impacts on traffic safety. In fact, certain studies suggest a positive effect, including reduced auto insurance premiums and a decline in motor vehicle fatalities. The legalization of adult-use marijuana appears to have minimal short-term consequences on adolescent substance use and negligible effects on traffic crash rates.
Workplace Performance and Safety: Regulation of marijuana has not been linked to negative impacts on workplace performance or safety. On the contrary, post-legalization studies indicate a reduction in workers’ compensation claims and associated costs, suggesting possible enhancements in work capacity, especially among older adults.
Alcohol Consumption: The regulation of marijuana is linked to a decrease in alcohol consumption, indicating that cannabis might act more as a substitute for alcohol rather than complementing it.
Economic Benefits: Legalization has resulted in increased tax revenue, job creation, and economic growth. In 2021, legal states generated more tax revenue from cannabis sales than from alcohol, with the cannabis industry playing a significant role in job creation and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Housing Values: The legalization of cannabis and the establishment of dispensaries have been associated with increased housing values, signifying positive economic and social impacts on communities.
These studies not only challenge the aforementioned concerns but also highlight potential benefits of legalizing cannabis for adult use.
Observations indicate that wherever cannabis is legalized, alcohol consumption tends to decrease. Given alcohol’s significant contribution to global mortality rates, including in Thailand which has one of the highest traffic fatality rates, this could have profound implications.
Regarding traffic safety, initial studies comparing cannabis and alcohol impairment suggested similar or worse effects from cannabis. However, further research revealed that THC-impaired drivers are more likely to overestimate their impairment, leading them to drive slower and more cautiously, whereas alcohol-impaired drivers often underestimate their impairment, driving more aggressively and quickly.
Cannabis legalization has also been correlated with reduced crime rates. A 25-year study by Victoria University of Wellington found liberalization of marijuana laws does not result in the significant social costs some politicians fear. The Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization observed significant reductions in rapes and property crimes in Washington compared to Oregon following legalization, alongside increased marijuana use and decreased use of other drugs and alcohol.
Were THC a product of a pharmaceutical company like Pfizer, it might be marketed as a beneficial drug for various medical conditions, from cancer and pain management to mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while also reducing alcohol consumption and potentially lowering crime rates.
Yet, conventional approaches to addressing these issues remain unchanged despite their ineffectiveness.
What if a new perspective, based on factual evidence rather than fear, was considered? Promoting cannabis as an alternative to alcohol, given its lesser association with illness and disease, could offer public health benefits.
Moreover, considering Thailand’s significant methamphetamine problem, the potential of cannabis, particularly CBD, to diminish the drug’s appeal warrants exploration over continuing with stringent drug laws.
Thailand’s 2022 cannabis legalization marked a progressive step away from outdated methods. However, a reversion to these methods, driven by fear rather than evidence, signifies a lost opportunity for informed policy making.