Problem
The Problem:
This study examines challenges faced by law enforcement officers in Oregon three years after the legalization of recreational marijuana. Officers struggled to enforce new regulations, differentiate between legal and illegal activities, and manage the complexities introduced by the evolving legal and regulatory frameworks.
Impact on the System and Public:
Legalization led to increased marijuana-related issues such as juvenile use, DUIs, illicit production, and inter-state cannabis trafficking, straining law enforcement resources.
Research Questions Answered:
- Do officers perceive changes in cannabis-related problems post-legalization?
- Are Oregon’s marijuana laws easy or difficult to enforce?
- What specific difficulties do officers encounter with these laws?
- How do officers feel about the state’s cannabis legislation?
Method and Analysis
Program Evaluated:
Evaluated the implementation challenges faced by police after the legalization of recreational marijuana, particularly in terms of enforcement, training, and regulatory collaboration.
Data and Sample Size:
The study surveyed 301 law enforcement officers across Oregon, accounting for about 5% of the state’s police personnel.
Analysis Used:
A mixed-method approach involving quantitative survey responses and qualitative analysis of open-ended comments.
Outcome
Key Findings:
- Officers widely reported difficulties in interpreting and enforcing poorly written laws.
- Increased juvenile and adult cannabis use, DUIs, and illegal production activities were observed.
- Enforcement efforts were complicated by overlapping regulatory frameworks for recreational and medical marijuana and the growth of the hemp industry.
- Officers expressed dissatisfaction with insufficient resources, unclear legal guidelines, and lack of inter-agency support.
Implications/Recommendations:
- Simplify cannabis legislation to reduce enforcement ambiguity.
- Enhance collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
- Provide adequate training and resources for addressing marijuana DUIs and illegal activities.
- Consider longitudinal studies to further understand the impact of legalization on policing and public safety.
This research underscores the need for states to plan comprehensive support mechanisms for law enforcement when transitioning to legal cannabis markets.