Lessons Learned: The Unintended Consequences of Decriminalizing Marijuana for Personal Use in Brazil, As Seen in California and Oregon

A majority of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) of Brazil has voted to decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use. While this move has sparked concern about possible outcomes, a look at the United States, specifically California and Oregon, provides insight into the negative impacts of similar policies.

In Oregon, decriminalization of drugs began in 2020 with the approval of Measure 110. The focus was on treating users instead of punishment measures, but the state soon faced serious problems. This included an increase in homelessness, businesses leaving cities, record numbers of homicides, the rapid spread of fentanyl, and a rise in drug consumption and overdose deaths.

Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a 41.6% increase in drug overdose deaths in Oregon between the end of 2022 and September 2023. A study by the Brewer City Police Department in Maine also highlighted the negative impact of drug decriminalization in Oregon, with increases in violent crimes, property crimes, and drug overdoses.

California legalized marijuana in 2016 but saw an illegal marijuana market flourish instead of decline. Efforts to combat this trend have been insufficient, with the underground market now surpassing the legal one in the state. This has led to increased violent crimes including homicides in rural areas. The state has also become a major exporter of illegal marijuana to states where it is not yet legal attracting attention from drug cartels and criminal networks.

These experiences show that policymakers need to carefully consider the implications and consequences of such measures before implementing them to mitigate negative impacts on society.