Indopedia All Things Marijuana
In order to prevent crime from taking place on the grounds of cannabis outlets, most businesses have hi-tech security systems and guards to protect their product. But researchers from Ohio State University recently conducted a three-year study in Denver that found an increase of property crimes in the areas adjacent to marijuana retail stores.
The findings show that these neighboring areas saw 84 more property crimes compared to those not in the vicinity of a nearby cannabis shop. According to Bridget Freisthler, a social work professor at OSU and the lead author of the study, their research raises potential concerns for those who own a house or business close to a pot shop.
These findings correlate similarly to the levels of property crime that surround bars, liquor stores, and even restaurants that serve alcohol. In fact, businesses that serve alcohol resulted in four times more violent crime than cannabis shops. Still, the lead researcher believes that cannabis legalization does have a negative aspect to counteract increased tax revenue.
“There are definitely negative public health consequences, including increased crime. There may be economic benefits in…
