The criminal justice system, for all of its good, has struggled in many areas. One of which is dealing with cannabis and marijuana. As Florida moves towards decriminalization of marijuana, it seeks to right the wrongs of unfair sentencing guidelines and bias that has caused significant harm in the past.
Below are a few ways decriminalization of marijuana may affect Florida’s criminal justice system:
- Reduced number of marijuana-related arrests and court cases
- Less stress on the already bogged down and congested court system
- The potential for increased use among the Florida population and/or youth
- A potential for increased crimes committed while under the influence of marijuana
- Increased need for regulation and rules regarding growing, using, and selling marijuana
- The potential need to evaluate past convictions and potentially overturn convictions or sentences, and/or early release of non-violent offenders
