Download

Download eBook for Free

Full Document

FormatFile SizeNotes
PDF file 0.8 MB

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience.

Summary Only

FormatFile SizeNotes
PDF file 0.5 MB

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience.

Purchase

Purchase Print Copy

 FormatList Price Price
Add to Cart Paperback92 pages $20.00 $16.00 20% Web Discount

Background. The political debate on cannabis policy is often more based on opinions than on evidence. However, evidence-based knowledge is required to design effective cannabis policy. Method. A review of the scientific literature on cannabis policy and its consequences was conducted, focusing on three issues: (1) the difference between formal policy and actual implementation; (2) the effect of policy on prevalence of cannabis use; and (3) the consequences of cannabis policy for users and society. Results. (1) Local authorities, police departments and regional courts differ in how they implement cannabis policy, and implementation typically deviates considerably from the formal policy; (2) The limited available evidence favors the hypothesis that policy and prevalence of cannabis use are not strongly connected. However, there is hardly any literature focusing on the consequences of cannabis policy as implemented; (3) Although in-depth studies are scarce, cannabis policy seems to have negative side-effects for cannabis arrestees well beyond the direct consequences of their arrest. They have, for example, more difficulties finding a job because they have a criminal record. Conclusions. The evidentiary basis for cannabis policy is rather narrow. The study includes an agenda for further research on cannabis policy.

Table of Contents

  • Part I

    Context of the Study

  • Chapter One

    Introduction

  • Chapter Two

    Research Methodology

  • Chapter Three

    Context of Cannabis Policy

  • Part II

    Results of the Literature Review

  • Chapter Four

    Implementation of Cannabis Policy

  • Chapter Five

    Cannabis Policy and Prevalance

  • Chapter Six

    Cannabis Policy and Social Consequences

  • Part III

    Discussion and Recommendations

  • Chapter Seven

    Discussion and Recommendations

  • Annex A

    Original Analytical Framework

  • Annex B

    Actor Perspectives in Future Research on the Consequences of Different Cannabis Policy Implementation Regime

Research conducted by

The research described in this report was prepared for the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports by RAND Europe.

This report is part of the RAND Corporation Monograph report series. The monograph/report was a product of the RAND Corporation from 1993 to 2003. RAND monograph/reports presented major research findings that addressed the challenges facing the public and private sectors. They included executive summaries, technical documentation, and synthesis pieces.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.