©

Alternatives to legalization

Dr. Kevin Sabet

2©

Most important outcome of marijuana legalization is

changes in daily use and dependence

Source: Jon Caulkins based on NSDUH

As of 2014 NSDUH respondents self-reported 3.4 Billion days of MJ use.

80% of that is by people who use 20+ days in PM

If they avg 1.6 gm/day & 20% underreport, might be 20 billion hours of MJ intoxication per year at present0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Number of Daily & Near Daily Users from NHSDA/NSDUH

ALCOHOL

MARIJUANA

In 1992, 10X as many people used alcohol DND

as used MJ DND.

By 2013 that ratio had fallen to 2.0 to 1.

Between 1992 and 2013 the # of DND MJ users

grew by 780%.

3©

What do we get with current legalization

Commercialization• CO now #1 youth use rate in the country

• Rampant advertising/commercialization

• A thriving underground market – white, grey, and black.

Promotion of Special Interests• THC caps have failed (State of CO)

• Limit on # and location of stores have failed (Denver)

• Money diverted to general fund (e.g., WA)

4©

RAND Vermont report discusses 12 alternatives to

status quo

Source: RAND

5©

But most options presented are versions of

legalization; many others are missing

Only US model to date besides DC

6©

What about alternatives to the status quo that do not

involve legalizing?

7©

RAND report

Question: How much did Vermont spend prohibiting marijuana in FY 2014?

• In year after decriminalization, criminal cases decreased 80%

• Just 3 people incarcerated only for marijuana

• Net costs: $800,000 to $1.1 million

• For those 21+, $550,000 to $750,000

Answer: just $1 per person per year• VT is an extreme case, but major cost for country is damage to police-

community relations, not budgets

8©

Other models exist

• Leon County, FL

• Civil Citations

o First-time offenses including possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

o Needs assessment – could result in drug screening, community service, targeted behavior change interventions and other sanctions to address behavioral change

o In-person and online systems that allow law enforcement and service providing agencies to manage each participant

o The intervention plan includes the following: * Community service - 25 hours (case manager may increase) * Online educational interventions (e-Learning resources) * Drug screening, AA or NA meetings * Counseling sessions: Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing (two at minimum but could be more as determined by assessment) * Program fees (flexible payment system)

9©

New Jersey conditional discharge

• Low level users get supervisory treatment or drug education (most get latter)

• If they complete the program all charges are dismissed

10©

Montgomery County, Maryland

• Diversion program –

oMust only be charged with a minor drug offense and related acts.

oCannot have any prior felony convictions within the past 10 years.

o Must not have any pending criminal charges (defendants may be eligible at a later date is pending charges are dropped)

oParticipate in drug education or treatment

11©

Maryland’s decriminalization law

• Requires marijuana drug education and/or treatment following evaluation for those under the age of 21 apprehended for possession of 10g or less

• Graduated penalties

• Use of marijuana in a public space will impose a $500 fine for the 1st and subsequent offenses, (b) use or possession of any amount of marijuana in the passenger compartment of an automobile