Does Recreational Marijuana Legalization Contribute To Homelessness?
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Policy Brief

Does Recreational Marijuana Legalization Contribute To Homelessness?

Some people have claimed that the recent increase in homelessness in Colorado and Washington is a consequence of a “green rush” to these states following legalization.

Some assert that legalizing recreational marijuana directly causes increases in homelessness. Data suggest that factors other than marijuana legalization are likely responsible for changes in the rates of homelessness. At the very least, there is not a clear or predictable relationship between marijuana legalization and homelessness.

Policy Brief: Does Recreational Marijuana Legalization Contribute To Homelessness?