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During the 1970's, eleven states decriminalized mazijuana possession, as have a <br /> number of countries since.3 Currently thirteen states have decriminalized marijuana <br /> , possession. Proponents of decriminalization argue that it can have positive outcomes that <br /> include savings on enforcement for state and local governments, an improved allocation <br /> of criminal justice resources, and expanded funding for prevention education and <br /> treatment for marijuana users. Opponents have claimed that decriminalization produces a <br /> substantial increase in marijuana use along with increased crime and other negative <br /> effects. <br /> Those who favor legalization point to the inefficient use of social resources and azgue <br /> that policies like those involved in the regulation of alcohol and tobacco are far more <br /> effective in limiting the individual and social costs involved. There is also a significant <br /> literature that suggests legalization could also be more efficient in limiting the negative <br /> consequences of marijuana use. Taxation, for example, can ameliorate whatever social <br /> costs occur, and the price effects can significantly reduce its use, especially among <br /> adolescents a Furthermore it can be demonstrated that taxation is significantly cheaper in <br /> terms of enforcement and outcomes than outlawing substances. <br /> This report reviews evidence and literature that suggest marijuana decriminalization <br /> would not lead to a measurable increase in marijuana use. This report does not take a <br /> - stance on whether, or not, mazijuana use is harmful. The conclusion reached below is that <br /> decriminalization would save state and local governments in Hawaii approximately $5 <br /> 3 Alaska, California, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North <br /> - Carolina, Ohio and Oregon decriminalized. Alaska (1990) voted to recriminalize, but <br /> Alaska's state courts have ruled that privacy rights protected marijuana use in the home. <br /> A twelfth state, South Dakota decriminalized and then recriminalized within a year. In <br /> 1996 Oregon recriminalized, but in 1998 voters rescinded recriminalization and returned <br /> to decriminalization. Nevada decriminalized in 2001. Colorado has also decriminalized. <br /> See http://www.norml.or¢/ and http://www.dru~policy.org/ for details. Countries that <br /> ~ have decriminalized aze Italy, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Austria. <br /> Several other countries have either de facto decriminalized or are in the process of <br /> decriminalizing. These include Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, <br /> United Kingdom and Canada. See http://eldd.emcdda.orel. <br /> n See Becker, G. S., M. Grossman, et al. (1994). "An Empirical Analysis of Cigarette <br /> Addiction." American Economic Review 88(3): 396-418. They find prices have a greater <br /> effect on adolescents. <br /> 2 <br /> <br /> rr <br /> <br />