For decades, the narrative that legalized marijuana would lead to increased crime has fueled prohibitionist policies. Is it true that if we legalize it, crime will increase? This video dives into data analysis to explore that very question. Examining the effects of cannabis legalization on public safety, and crime prevention, this report challenges preconceived notions about marijuana.

In this episode, lawyer and political science expert Tom Howard dives into a comprehensive analysis of the actual data collected over the years since legalization. Howard debunks the myths by presenting five surprising ways legal marijuana may be reducing crime rates: freeing up police resources, hitting violent drug cartels financially, encouraging alcohol substitution, enhancing neighborhood safety with dispensaries, and addressing the unique crime risks faced by dispensaries due to federal regulations. Throughout the episode, Howard calls for a reevaluation of federal policies and invites viewers to consider the real-world data over politically driven fear.

00:00 The Fear of Legalized Weed
00:44 The Reality of Legalization: Data-Driven Insights
01:32 Freeing Up Police Resources
05:03 Impact on Drug Cartels
07:38 Alcohol Substitution Effect
10:43 Dispensaries and Crime
12:51 The Cash Problem and Federal Policy
15:13 Conclusion: The Real Story of Legal Marijuana