Studies indicate that tobacco and alcohol specific retail stores invite higher rates of crime than do medical cannabis dispensaries. Overall, medical cannabis dispensaries may actually see less crime.
We believe that a strong security posture and close relationship with local law enforcement are keys to ensuring a cannabis operation does not have a direct impact on public safety. After all, who would want to commit a crime of any sort in full view of an array of security cameras?
Studies do show that there are increased instances of impaired driving and visits to emergency rooms due to cannabis. However, these finding are specific to locales that have legalized all adult-use cannabis, not medical cannabis. This makes sense given that medical patients already deal with the possibility of impairment with other medications coupled with the fact that medical patients generally do not seek the intoxicating effects that are possible with cannabis. Not all cannabis products cause intoxication.
It would also seem that ‘perception’ is important, as much of the community will conflate criminal-market cannabis crime activity with the operations of legally licensed cannabis facilities. With medical cannabis legalized, a large criminal-market will still exist for those folks seeking to use cannabis recreationally. Provided the legitimate business is adhering to compliance standards it is unlikely that it will contribute to the illegal-market.
Further reading:
TheStranger.com
Voice of San Diego
DrugAbuse.gov
SaveOurCity.org
CannaSafeSolutions.com
