Myth:
Although Colorado saved $12m-$40m in law enforcement savings after legalization, Oregon can’t expect the same because our laws are more lenient.
Reality:
Colorado’s laws were actually more lenient than Oregon’s, which suggests that law enforcement in Oregon would save even more money than law enforcement saved in Colorado.
Before Colorado passed their Amendment 64 — the measure to regulate, legalize and tax marijuana in that state — possession of less than one ounce of marijuana was punishable by a maximum fine of only $100. (Source: Colorado Revised Statutes prior to November 6, 2012 at 18-18-40 on page 35.)
In Oregon, possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is a criminal infraction and a $650 fine. Regulating, legalizing and taxing marijuana in Oregon will save Oregon law enforcement money.