How American police officers view cannabis legalization

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center involving 8,000 police officers shows that law enforcement supports movements to legalize cannabis.

The Pew Research Center surveyed 8,000 police officers of all ranks across the country. 32 % of police officers support the full legalization of cannabis, 37 % support it only for medical use, and 30 % believe it should remain illegal. This study shows that police officers are also following the general trend in the United States.

While 49% of American civilians support the legalization of cannabis, police officers are a bit more hesitant. This perspective is also evident when looking at the ages of the officers surveyed.  Among police officers under 35, 37 % support the legalization of cannabis—10 points more than veteran officers between the ages of 50 and 60.

Even though some law enforcement associations play on fear With regard to cannabis, pro-weed police associations are emerging on the national scene. Diane Goldstein, a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), explains that most American police officers are out of touch with the general public. «We represent a small fraction of officers because we’ve been trained and conditioned to support the «War on Drugs.» However, she is encouraged by the changing numbers: «It’s a positive sign—only a third of police officers want it to remain illegal.»”.

These studies show a real shift in perspective within the police force. Not long ago, law enforcement officers in the Colorado called on neighboring states to follow the path of legal cannabis regulation to curb interstate trafficking. Dealers are taking advantage of legalization in Colorado to stock up on legal cannabis and return home with their trunks full. Anti- and pro-marijuana groups within law enforcement played significant roles in the legalization processes in Colorado, Washington, and Florida.