Dr. Ben Carson, a former U.S. presidential candidate and acclaimed pediatric neurosurgeon, has issued a warning against the easing of marijuana regulations, stating that such measures could intensify the crime epidemic in American cities. In a recent statement, Carson referenced research from the University of Colorado, which found that areas with marijuana dispensaries reported a staggering 1,452% increase in crime rates. He warned that rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III and loosening restrictions could worsen the national crime crisis, particularly in urban centers.
Carson’s comments came as part of broader concerns about the impact of liberalized drug policies on public safety and societal well-being. He cited a 2024 study showing that states with legal marijuana saw a 17% rise in substance-use disorders, a 35% increase in chronic homelessness, and a 13% rise in arrests. Carson also highlighted that legalizing marijuana led to an 18% increase in violent crime arrests and a 15% increase in property crime arrests. These findings, he argued, underscore the risks of shifting away from strict drug prohibitions.
In addition to crime, Carson raised alarms about the health and societal consequences of marijuana use, particularly among young men. A 2024 study found that young men with a marijuana use disorder were 82% more likely to exhibit violent behavior compared to non-users. Carson emphasized that a strong, flourishing country cannot afford to lose lives to addiction and violence. He further pointed out that modern marijuana is more potent, with THC concentrations reaching up to 99%, far exceeding the 2-3% levels of previous decades.
Carson also addressed concerns about organized crime, suggesting that marijuana legalization could provide avenues for cartels, such as Chinese cartels, to operate legally in the U.S. He noted that cities with legal weed have seen an increase in crime, with Denver’s areas near dispensaries reporting 85 more property crimes per year than those without. Carson warned that cities with lax drug policies have often faced negative consequences, citing Oregon’s experience where broad-based legalization led to the state legislature recriminalizing drug possession just a few years later.
In conclusion, Carson urged policymakers to approach marijuana policy with caution and to base decisions on sound evidence. He argued that public health, safety, and stability depend on thoughtful leadership rather than experimenting with policies that fuel crime and suffering. Carson called for a focus on creating environments where every American can thrive and for policies that prioritize the well-being of families and communities.