The Double-Edged Sword: Brazil’s Decriminalization of Marijuana and the Lessons Learned from US States

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) of Brazil has decriminalized the possession of marijuana for personal use. While this action has sparked concern about potential consequences, looking at the United States, specifically at California and Oregon, provides insight into the negative impacts of similar policies.

In Oregon, the decriminalization of drugs began in 2020 with the approval of Measure 110. The focus was on treating users instead of punitive 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 after legalizing marijuana in 2016 has seen illegal marijuana market flourish instead of decline. Efforts to combat this trend have been insufficient with underground market now surpassing legal one in state leading to increased violent crimes including homicides especially 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 decriminalizing drugs can lead to negative impacts on society such as rising crime rates and health hazards that policymakers need to carefully consider before implementing any policy changes.