Study: Marijuana Crackdowns Are a Form of Structural Violence, Have Negative Effects on Health, Social and Economic Well-Being
Law enforcement crackdowns on marijuana are a form of “structural violence”, and have negative effects on health, social and economic well-being, according to a new study published by the International Journal of Drug Policy and published online by the U.S. National Institute of Health.
“There is abundant literature on the impact of law enforcement on cannabis markets, but scant literature on the effects of law enforcement on cannabis users”, begins the abstract of the study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Uyo Post Office in Nigeria. “This study undertook a qualitative exploration of police crackdowns as a form of structural violence and examined their impact on the well-being of street cannabis users in a Nigerian city.”
The study was “qualitative and descriptive”, and was carried out in Uyo, southern Nigeria. 97 frequent cannabis users (78 males and 19 females) took part, aged between 21 and 34 years old. Data were collected through in-depth, individual interviews, conducted over six-months. Data analysis was thematic and data-driven, involving identifying themes, assigning codes, revising codes and verification by independent qualitative methodology experts.
“Police crackdowns are commonly experienced by street cannabis users”, states researchers. “These do not reduce cannabis use, but displace cannabis markets. Crackdowns are associated with police brutality, confiscation of funds, drugs and belongings, stigma and discrimination, arrest and incarceration, which impacts negatively on the health, livelihoods and well-being of cannabis users. Cannabis users try to escape arrest by running from police, disposing of cannabis, disguising themselves and, when caught, bribing officers to secure release.”
The study concludes by stating that; “Crackdowns constitute a form of structural violence in the everyday life of cannabis users, and have negative effects on their health and social and economic well-being. Cannabis use should be decriminalized de facto and arrested users directed to treatment and skills training programmes. Treatment and social services for users should be expanded and legal aid interventions should be mounted to support users in addressing discriminatory practices and human rights violations.”
The full study can be found by clicking here.