How Cannabis Laws Impact Immigration: New Study Links State Legalization To Less Deportations
Recent research reveals that states adopting recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) in the U.S. may have fewer immigration deportations related to cannabis offenses.
The study, conducted by Emilie Bruzelius and Silvia S. Martins and published in BMC Public Health, analyzed the period from 2009 to 2020, offering insights into the relationship between immigration and drug policy reform.
Study Findings On Deportations
The researchers utilized data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, focusing on immigration arrests and deportations where cannabis possession was cited. Researchers found that by 2020 states with RCLs showed a notable decrease in deportation rates related to cannabis possession. Specifically, the adoption of these laws led to a “moderate relative decrease in deportation prevalence,” indicating a 32% reduction in deportations compared to states …