Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption

Wednesday, March 7 at 1:15pm to 2:45pm

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To date, 16 states have passed medical marijuana laws, yet very little is known about their effects. Using state-level data, we examine the relationship between medical marijuana laws and a variety of outcomes. Legalization of medical marijuana is associated with increased use of marijuana among adults, but not among minors. In addition, legalization is associated with nearly a 9 percent decrease in traffic fatalities, most likely as a result of its impact on alcohol consumption by young adults. Our estimates provide strong evidence that marijuana and alcohol are substitutes.