Monetary Impact

• When Marijuana was legalized in 2014, the estimated amount that Colorado would make from taxes was $100 million, in 2018, the state surpassed that by generating $270 million in taxes and $1.2 billion in cannabis sales total.
• In 2018, California generated $345 million in taxes on cannabis and Washington generated $376 million. 
• The Cannabis market in the United States is expected to reach $25 billion by 2025.

Social Impact

• Studies have shown that alcohol sales in states that have legalized medical marijuana have fallen by 15%, while states that have legalized recreational use have decreased alcohol sales by 20%.
• According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in states that have legalized marijuana, police have been able to solve more violent and property crimes. This is due to the excess time the police have now that they do not have to focus on marijuana related arrests.
• A study in 2017, found that communities that have marijuana retailers have increased social benefits by $30,000 per year due to the decrease in larceny.
• In Colorado, the number of DUIs issued decreased after the legalization of marijuana and the number of THC related deaths on the road decreased by 33%.
• In states that have legalized medical use, opioid-related deaths have fallen by 25% and opioid dependency has fallen by 23%.
• According to several sources, the affects of legalization has on youth usage can not be accurately measured yet due to too many factors.