Does Decriminalizing Cannabis Reduce Crime? New Study

Could decriminalizing cannabis reduce crime? A new study out of Atlanta shows that’s exactly what happened. Despite critics’ concerns, violent crime has fallen by nearly 20% since decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis. Police have been able to shift their focus from chasing low-level cannabis users to more serious threats.

Decriminalizing cannabis in Atlanta and Poland

Atlanta before the reform:

Before 2017, possession of up to one ounce of cannabis (or about 28 grams) in Atlanta could result in up to a year in jail and a $1,500 fine. Even though pot was popular with locals, the penalties were harsh and enforcing them took up a lot of police resources.

Poland at a crossroads:

In Poland, the topic of decriminalizing cannabis has been marginalized for years, but now it has finally reached the prime minister’s desk. The proposal involves decriminalizing possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis and the possibility of growing one plant for personal use. If the prime minister and government decide to support the bill, Poland will join a growing group of European countries that are easing their policies on cannabis.

Research Findings: How Has Decriminalization Impacted Crime?

Does decriminalizing cannabis actually improve safety? Researchers analyzed FBI crime data for Atlanta and compared it to cities that did not make similar changes. They found that violent crime dropped by 19.7% in Atlanta after decriminalization.

Importantly, research has shown that:

The drop in crime was not accidental – the results were stable for at least 15 months after the reform.

In neighbouring towns where cannabis remained illegal, there was no increase in crime – that is, there was no so-called “shifting of crime” to other areas.

Police confirmed that the change had brought real benefits – officers could focus on chasing serious criminals instead of wasting time on minor offences.

Could a similar effect occur in Poland? It is hard to say for sure, but the experience of Atlanta and other states and countries shows that relaxing drug policies does not have to lead to an increase in crime. On the contrary, it can help the police to be more effective in ensuring the safety of citizens.

Mechanisms of change: What has changed since decriminalization?

The decriminalization of cannabis in Atlanta wasn’t just a symbolic change in the law. It was a conscious decision to realign police priorities. Officers stopped spending time and resources chasing low-level pot users and instead focused on combating more serious threats.

The police focused on real crimes

As emphasized by the Atlanta Police Department (APD), their goal is to eliminate threats to the life and health of citizens, not to prosecute people who possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

“We want to put armed robbers, rapists, burglars in prison, not cannabis smokers ” an APD spokesman said after the reform came into effect.

In practice, this has meant:

Fewer unnecessary arrests for cannabis possession.
More police patrols to combat organized crime and violence.
Improved relations between police and residents – especially in communities that were previously frequently targeted for cannabis arrests.

No increase in crime in surrounding areas

A common argument made by opponents of decriminalization is the fear that changing the law could “transfer” crime to other regions. However, studies have shown that neighboring counties where the law has not changed have not seen an increase in crime. In other words, the decline in crime in Atlanta has not come at the expense of other cities.

Is a similar effect possible in Poland?

If Poland decides to decriminalize cannabis, the change could have similar effects:

Police would not have to waste time and resources chasing cannabis users.
Courts would be relieved – fewer cannabis-related cases mean faster handling of other crimes.
Relations between citizens and law enforcement could improve, which could affect the overall level of public trust.

Comparison with other studies: Does decriminalizing cannabis work?

Atlanta isn’t the only place where decriminalizing cannabis hasn’t led to an increase in crime—quite the opposite. Similar effects have been seen in other cities and countries that have changed their drug policies.

US data:

Washington and Colorado – After recreational cannabis was legalized in 2012, arrests for cannabis possession dropped by more than 90% while there was no increase in violent crime.
Chicago – Following decriminalization in 2019, the number of cannabis arrests dropped dramatically while crime in the city did not increase.

Data from Europe:

Portugal – In 2001, the country decriminalized possession of small amounts of all drugs. The result? A drop in arrests, improved access to addiction treatment, and no increase in crime.
Czech Republic – the decriminalization of cannabis in 2010 did not affect the increase in crime, but helped relieve the courts and police.

In Poland?

There is currently a lack of Polish research on the impact of decriminalizing cannabis on crime, but:

Statistics show that thousands of people are prosecuted every year for possession of small amounts of cannabis, which burdens the legal system.
Polls indicate that public support for the reform is growing – as many as 73% of Poles support decriminalization .
The experience of other countries suggests that decriminalization does not lead to an increase in crime, and in fact allows for more effective police work.

Summary: Should Poland follow Atlanta’s lead?

Atlanta’s story shows that decriminalizing cannabis can have real social and economic benefits. Decreased violent crime, reduced police workloads, and improved relations between law enforcement and citizens are just some of the results of this change.

The Atlanta lesson:

Decriminalization didn’t increase crime—it actually decreased it.
It allowed police to focus on serious crimes, which made residents safer.
There was no negative impact on neighboring counties.

Will Poland follow the same path?

At the moment, the decision on decriminalizing cannabis lies in the hands of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He can support the bill and initiate significant changes in Polish law, but he can also ignore it or reject it. One thing is certain – the topic of cannabis will not disappear from public debate, and growing public support means that the government will have to face it.

Much depends on public opinion. The greater public awareness and pressure on politicians, the greater the chance for change. If we want Poland to follow in the footsteps of the Czech Republic or Germany, it will be crucial to continue engaging in the debate, following developments and putting pressure on decision-makers.

__

(Featured image by Louis Hansel via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us