Cannabis Criminology

Description

Cannabis Criminology explores the prohibition, decriminalization, and liberalization of cannabis policy through the lens of criminological and sociological theory, essential concepts, and cannabis research. It does so by focusing on five thematic areas: law, society, and social control; police and policing; race, ethnicity, and criminalization; the economics of cannabis; and cannabis use and crime. It is the first book on cannabis since President Joe Biden signed an executive order in 2022 to pardon citizens and lawful permanent residents convicted of simple cannabis possession under federal law and DC statute. Cannabis is now legal in some form in 37 US states. To understand the reform of cannabis policy and the challenges to come, we first need to understand the connections between cannabis and criminology. The book links key areas in past and contemporary cannabis research to criminological and sociological theories, including key concepts, emergent concerns, and new directions. Based on an up-to-date review of this growing area of research, the book outlines a research program based on five essential thematic areas. Introducing cannabis as a critical case study in moral-legal re-negotiation, it outlines how cannabis prohibition has influenced cannabis around the world. Five discrete chapters focus on thematic areas, criminological and sociological theories, define essential concepts, and provide research focused on law, society, and social control (Chapter 2), police and policing cannabis (Chapter 3), race, ethnicity, and criminalization (Chapter 4), the economics of cannabis (Chapter 5), and cannabis and crime (Chapter 6). The book concludes by presenting new ways to engage prohibitionist thinking, by challenging myths, embracing social media, and developing a duty of care to guide future cannabis researchers and explicitly involve people who use cannabis. Cannabis Criminology will be of interest to a variety of readers, including students and scholars from a range of backgrounds studying drug use, drug policy, cannabis legalization, and other drug-related issues. It will also appeal to policymakers who want to know more about cannabis legalization and drug prohibition, those working in the criminal justice system, and social work professionals. Due to its accessible style, people involved in the cannabis industry, as well as cannabis users may also find the book interesting. Cover Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgments 1 Cannabis Criminology: An Introduction Introduction This Book Prohibition and the New Prohibitionists Cannabis and Criminology Defining Cannabis Criminology Criminological Theories and Key Areas of Cannabis Criminology Law, Society, and Social Control Police and Policing Cannabis Race, Ethnicity, and Criminalization The Economics of Cannabis Cannabis Use and Crime Organization of the Book Conclusion Notes 2 Law, Society, and Social Control Introduction Theoretical Starting Points Demonology Labeling Theory Conflict Theories Key Concepts Stigma Normalization Medicalization Cannabis and Research On Law, Society, and Social Control Normalization and Cannabis Use The Stigma–Normalization Nexus Rethinking Moral Panics New Directions Conclusion Notes 3 Police and Policing Cannabis Introduction Theoretical Starting Points Strain Theory Social Control Criminal Justice Growth Key Concepts The War On Drugs Police Militarization Predatory Policing Cannabis and Research On Police and Policing Cannabis War On Cannabis Shock and Awe Stop and Harass New Directions Conclusion Notes 4 Race, Ethnicity, and Criminalization Introduction Theoretical Starting Points Biological and Psychological Positivism Critical Race Theory Restorative Justice Key Concepts Race as a Social Construction Race and Predation Race and the Long Shadow of Slavery Relevant Research On Race, Ethnicity, and Criminalization Cannabis, Racial Disparities, and Injustice The Cost(s) of Cannabis Prohibition Race and Reconciliation New Directions Conclusions Notes 5 The Economics of Cannabis Introduction Theoretical Starting Points Deterrence Routine Activities Theory Rational Choice Theory Key Concepts Alchian–Allen Theorem Complexity and Cannabis Markets Cannabis and Cost/Benefit Analysis Relevant Research On the Economics of Cannabis Prohibition and Potency Accessing and Differentiating Cannabis Markets Cannabis as a Consumer Good: Competing On Price and Quality New Directions Conclusion Notes 6 Cannabis Use and Crime Introduction Theoretical Starting Points Social Learning Theories Biosocial Theories Psychological Theories of Crime Key Concepts Cannabis as Subculture The Brain Disease Model of Addiction (BDMA) Cannabis Psychosis Relevant Research Increased Youth Cannabis Use and Crime Cannabis and Addiction Cannabis and Violence New Directions Conclusion Notes 7 Cannabis Criminology: Back to the Future Introduction Three Persistent Problems in Cannabis Criminology The New Prohibitionists and Public Criminology The New Prohibitionists Public Criminology New Directions in Cannabis Criminology Law, Society, and Social Control Police and Policing Cannabis Race, Ethnicity, and Criminalization The Economics of Cannabis Cannabis Use and Crime Engaging Cannabis Prohibition Conclusion Notes References Index