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High times and troubled relationships: Recreational marijuana laws and intimate partner violence

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  • Baggio, Michele
  • Chong, Alberto
  • Suryanarayana, Revathy

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between Recreational Marijuana Laws (RMLs) and intimate partner violence (IPV). While marijuana is often considered harmless, the existing medical literature reveals both positive and negative impacts of its active ingredient on brain function. Utilizing a difference-in-difference methodology spanning 2006–2016 across 39 states, we find that RMLs produce a 20 percent increase in IPV incidents per 100,000 individuals, which appears to be mediated through mental health issues and binge drinking. These findings highlight the likely need for preventive and proactive policies to address the complex interplay of marijuana, RMLs, and IPV.

Suggested Citation

  • Baggio, Michele & Chong, Alberto & Suryanarayana, Revathy, 2024. "High times and troubled relationships: Recreational marijuana laws and intimate partner violence," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:54:y:2024:i:c:s1570677x24000510
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior

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