Document Type
Policy Brief
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Although West Virginia legalized the medical use of marijuana, it has one of the harshest penalties in the nation for recreational use - a possible 90 days in prison for the first offense for possessing any amount. In contrast, more than 50% of states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. And, 70% of West Virginians support marijuana legalization at the federal level. Benefits to legalizing marijuana include increased tax revenue, decreased costs of enforcing drug laws, job creation in the marijuana industry, and safer communities due to less criminal activity.
Recommended Citation
Hipes, Crosby, "Legalize Recreational Marijuana in West Virginia to Increase Tax Revenue, Create Jobs, and Make Communities Safer" (2023). Bridge Initiative for Science and Technology Policy, Leadership, and Communications. 9.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/bridge_initiative/9