Cannabis and Crime
Boulder, Colorado boasts picturesque mountain views, endless outdoor recreation, and a booming cannabis industry. Since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana sales in 2012, the state has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year ($328 million in 2020). But is this booming cannabis industry going to be the downfall of this outdoor-Mecca called Boulder? Concerns have been raised about potential increases in crime. In this article, we will compare crime rates and cannabis sales over a three-year period in Boulder, Colorado from 2019–2021.
Public data indicates that Boulder’s medical and recreational cannabis sales have steadily increased since 2019. Medical and recreational cannabis sales totaled $1,294,791 and $7,108,509, respectively, in January 2019. By December 2021, medical and recreational cannabis sales reached $868,175 and $10,249,315, respectively. These numbers suggest that the cannabis industry in Boulder has thrived despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Month to month these numbers show fluctuation, but the yearly numbers show consistent growth from $116 million in 2019 to $143 million in 2021. This is total revenue for both medical and recreational marijuana
In contrast, total crime rates in Boulder fluctuated over the same period. In 2019, the city recorded 1,279 crimes in January and 1,361 crimes in December. However, in 2020, the crime rates decreased in February to 1,204 and reached a high point in August with 1,932 reported crimes. In 2021, crime rates remained relatively stable, with the highest number of crimes recorded in January with 2,095 and an average of 1,720 crimes each month. The crimes varied from property crimes, such as burglary and theft, to violent crimes, such as assault and robbery. If we compare crime rates each year, we see that crime rates in Boulder have been relatively stable. The Boulder Police Department’s data shows that the number of reported crimes in the city was 16,379 in 2019, dropped slightly to 16,278 in 2020, and increased to 16,627 in 2021.
Comparing crime rates and cannabis sales in Boulder could lead to the hypothesis that increased cannabis sales may lead to increased crime rates. However, this may not be the case, as the data shows that crime rates did not increase in line with cannabis sales. In fact, crime rates in Boulder appear to be decreasing despite the increase in cannabis sales. So, is there any correlation between the two? It is difficult to say for certain, as the data does not reveal a clear pattern. In some months, both cannabis sales and crime rates increased, while in others, they decreased.
Furthermore, it is important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. The decrease in crime rates could be attributed to various factors, including community policing efforts, proactive measures taken by law enforcement agencies, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have resulted in fewer people being out and about on the streets. Not all crimes are equal, and some may be more likely to be influenced by cannabis use than others.
Although there are many explanations for the variance in crime, it is worth noting that each year sees spikes in both cannabis sales and crime over the summer months. There have been concerns about the potential impact of the cannabis industry on crime rates. However, in 2020, the Colorado Department of Public Safety released a report on the impact of marijuana legalization on public safety. The report found that while there was no conclusive evidence linking marijuana legalization to an increase in crime, there was an increase in traffic fatalities involving drivers who tested positive for THC.
In conclusion, we can see that the relationship between cannabis sales and crime rates is more complex than some assume. Although the legalization of marijuana may have some potential downsides, we should base policy decisions on sound evidence rather than unfounded fears. The data indicates that the cannabis industry in Boulder, Colorado has thrived over the past two years, while crime rates have fluctuated but decreased overall. It is important to continue monitoring the relationship between cannabis sales and crime rates, but the data suggests that there is no direct correlation between them. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies should take proactive measures to ensure that the cannabis industry remains a positive force in the community and maintains public safety.
Additional information found here: https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/docs/reports/2021-SB13-283_Rpt.pdf
