"Murder Rate In Los Angeles Drops To 1967 Levels"

[Xicano]

Could it be that Marijuana is playing an integral role in reducing violent crime in Los Angeles?

Despite increased crime predictions due to economic hardship, the murder rate in Los Angeles has dropped to 1967 levels and the absence of a massive drug epidemic may be a key factor. For the first time in over forty years, LA is within reach of ending the year with fewer than 300 homicides, reports the LA Times.

~snip~

Experts say the change, though not easily explained, is likely the result of more effective crime-fighting methods, stricter sentencing, demographic variables, sociological influences and the absence of a major drug epidemic.


http://laist.com/2010/12/27/murder_rate_in_los_angeles_drops_to.php

"Experts say the change, though not easily explained, is likely the result of more effective crime-fighting methods, stricter sentencing, demographic variables, sociological influences and the absence of a major drug epidemic."

How much you wanna bet it has to do with a huge increase of marijuana dispensaries throughout Los Angeles? There's something like over 1,000 pot dispensaries in Los Angeles now, and with that safe access comes a lot less interacting with the criminal element. Also, as marijuana usage increases, you're probably going to see a proportionate decrease in harder drugs which are known to cause aggressive behavior - such as with cocaine and meth. Both of these facts are also going to have the effect of reducing street sales, thus, reducing or eliminating to reasons behind turf wars on the streets between gangs fighting over drug sales.

Now imagine if Prop 19 would of passed? Stupid people who voted no on Prop 19 should open their eyes and get a clue.



Peace,
Xicano

[lob1]

1. Interesting theory, Xicano. Thanks.

[Xicano]

2. Thanks lob1.

Hope more people make the same connection before re-legalization is on the ballot again.

:hi:


Peace,
Xicano

[lob1]

4. They claim marijuana is a gateway drug.

It isn't, but wouldn't it be ironic if grass WAS a gateway drug...to nonviolence.

[Xicano]

9. The Guardian: "It's OK to smoke dope, England fans told"

Here's an old article on the same subject.

Portuguese police officers will turn a blind eye to England supporters who openly smoke cannabis during Euro 2004, having decided that a stoned crowd is easier to control than a drunk one.

Lisbon police confirmed yesterday that England fans will not be arrested for puffing on joints on the streets of the Portuguese capital, following a recommendation from the Dutch authorities responsible for policing the English during Euro 2000.

Four years ago England's match in Eindhoven, ironically against Portugal, passed off peacefully as many supporters took advantage of the Netherlands' liberal drugs laws. By contrast the game against Germany in the Belgian town of Charleroi was marred by violence, much of it fuelled by alcohol.


~snip~


"We won't be hiding behind doors waiting for someone to smoke a joint. We have to use common sense. If people are smoking but not kicking each other, not beating each other, and not making a problem, why on earth would an officer go and ask 'Is that cannabis?'

"If you are quietly smoking and a police officer is 10 metres away, what's the big risk in your behaviour? I'm not going to tap you on the shoulder and ask 'What are you smoking?' if you are posing no menace to others. Our priority is alcohol.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/jun/11/drugsandalcohol.football

[Hannah Bell]

3. funny, i remember hysteria over murder rates in the 60s.

[lob1]

5. Back in the 60's, women couldn't collect welfare if the

husband lived at home, so many poor homes were without a father. That caused a big boom in gang life, and that's when the murder rate started going up.

[Hannah Bell]

6. doubtful.

[lob1]

7. I don't have a link, but that's the essence of an

article I read a few years ago.

[Hannah Bell]

8. just because you read it in an article don't mean it's true.

the no males thing goes back to the original welfare legislation circa fdr. in the late 30s.

[provis99]

10. nope. The 1973 Roe v Wade decision is responsible for the drop in crime.

Crime has dropped since the 1990s. The aborted fetuses were those that never grew up into angry, violent young men. Crime started dropping around 1994, when these aborted fetuses would have been 21 ie. the start of the prime age for committing crimes. Crime rates have been dropping ever since. If abortion is ever banned, I expect crime rates to go up again.

[RagAss]

11. If abortion is ever banned.....we'd all starve.