Marijuana and Homelessness Study

Utilizing students from my research methods class (Fall 2014), we focused on whether or not representatives of Homeless shelters (11 shelters in the Denver area) have seen an increase in homelessness since the legalization of Marijuana:

• One said there was no increase and one said there is a decrease in the number of homeless people they serve
• One representative said that she has not seen an increase in her shelter but she knows that there are more homeless people in Denver because of marijuana
• Nine interviewees stated that there is an increase in the number of clients they serve due to the legalization of marijuana
• Those with more clients who are in Denver because of marijuana:
  • Serve males
  • Young people 17-25
  • Increase in white clients
  • Clients want to smoke marijuana or get into the business
• Ten interviewees claimed that they have seen no increase in property crime in or around their shelter
• One stated that they historically have minor thefts at night – no police involvement
• They discussed crimes that occur in the Triangle park but this is an ongoing problem
• They have not had to contact the police for any issues related to marijuana use or distribution
• All interviewees claimed that there is no increase of violence due to marijuana legalization
• Two interviewees said legalizing marijuana was a good thing
• Six stated it was a bad thing
• Two are unsure and want to see if there are any long-term problems
• One stated that medicinal marijuana is good but recreational marijuana is bad
• Other Explanations for an Increase in the Homeless Population?
  • The Governor’s proposed homeless camp
  • The Colorado economy is good while neighboring state’s economy is not
  • People think there are opportunities here
  • People are failing drug tests for employment
  • Domestic violence
• Problems Mentioned by Interviewees
  • Lack of housing/beds
  • Drug tests are making people lose jobs
  • Public smoking is a nuisance  
  • More young people involved with marijuana
• Recommendations
  • Focus on public smoking
  • Focus on young people – more education and prevention aimed at adolescents
  • Focus on housing/number of beds
  • Continue to monitor this issue
  • Monitor the drug testing issue