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Publications

2009
Miron J. The Effect of Marijuana Decriminalization on the Budgets of Massachusetts Governments, With a Discussion of Decriminalization's Effect on Marijuana Use: An Update of Miron (2002a). 2009.Abstract

Decriminalization of marijuana has received substantial attention over the last several decades. Decriminalization means that possession is not subject to criminal sanctions but instead punishable only by a civil fine. Trafficking, and selling or distributing to minors, remain subject to standard criminal penalties.

Proponents suggest that decriminalization has several beneficial consequences, including budgetary savings for state and local governments, improved welfare for marijuana users, and an improved allocation of criminal justice resources. Opponents suggest that decriminalization produces a substantial increase in marijuana use along with increased crime and other negative effects.

This report examines two effects of decriminalization: the impact on government budgets and the impact on marijuana use.

The report estimates that decriminalization of marijuana in Massachusetts would produce an annual savings in law enforcement resources of approximately $29.5 million.

This report also reviews evidence from other states and countries on the effects of marijuana decriminalization on marijuana use. This evidence provides no indication that decriminalization leads to a measurable increase in marijuana use.

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Miron J, Tetelbaum E. Does the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Save Lives. Economic Inquiry,. 2009;47 (2) :317-336. PDF
2008
Miron J. Affidavit of Jeffrey Miron. Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Richard Cusick and Russell Stroup,; 2008. Publisher's Version
Miron J. The Effect of Marijuana Decriminalization on the Budgets of Massachusetts Governments, With a Discussion of Decriminalization‟s Effect on Marijuana Use An Update of Miron (2002a). Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy; 2008. PDF
Miron J, Feige C. The Opium Wars, Opium Legalization, and Opium Consumption in China. Applied Economics Letters. 2008;15 :911-913. PDF
2007
Miron J, Tetelbaum E. The Effect of the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Traffic Fatalities in Different Age Groups. Choose Responsibility; 2007.
Miron J. What Europe Can Learn from U.S. Policies on Drinking and Driving. 2007. Publisher's Version
Miron J. Legalizing Illicit Drugs: A Problem Paper Prepared for the Copenhagen Consensus 2008. In: Solutions for the World's Biggest Problems: Costs and Benefits. Cambridge University Press ; 2007.
2006
The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition. In: Pot Politics: Marijuana and the Costs of Prohibition. Oxford University Press, Inc ; 2006.
Dills AK, Miron JA. A Comment on Donohue and Levittís (2006) Reply to Foote and Goetz (2005). 2006. PDF
2005
Miron J. Federal Marijuana Policy: A Preliminary Assessment. Report to Taxpayers for Common Sense; 2005.
Miron J, Dills A, Jacobson M. The Effect of Alcohol Prohibition on Alcohol Consumption: Evidence from Drunkenness Arrests. Economics Letters. 2005 :279-294.
2004
Miron J. The Economics of Illicit Drugs: Harm from Prohibition versus Harm from Drugs. In: Bowmaker S Economics Uncut: A Complete Guide to Life,Death, and Misadventure. Edward Elgar ; 2004.
Miron J. Liberal Versus Libertarian Views on Drug Legalization. In: Masters SB The New Prohibition: Voices of Dissent Challenge the Drug War. Accurate Press ; 2004.
Miron J, Dills A. Alcohol Prohibition and Cirrhosis. American Law and Economics Review. 2004;6 :285-318.
2003
Miron J. A Critique of Estimates of the Economic Costs of Drug Abuse. Open Society Institute; 2003.
Miron J. The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Legalization in Massachusetts. Change the Climate; 2003.
Miron J. Smart Sentencing Initiative a Step Forward on Pot Policy. Columbia Daily Tribune (Missouri). 2003.
2002
Miron J. The Effect of Marijuana Decriminalization on the Budgets of Massachusetts Governments, With a Discussion of Decriminalization‟s Effect on Marijuana Use. Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts; 2002.
Miron J. The Cross-Country Relation Between Violence, Guns, and Drugs. In: Carter G Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC CLIO Press ; 2002. pp. 176-179.

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