RAND Corporation Bows to Political Pressure

The RAND Corporation has bowed to political pressure from the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and removed a groundbreaking report on medical cannabis dispensing centers and crime. The report, which was based on data gathered in Los Angeles County, showed no correlation between medical cannabis dsipensing centers and crime. However, the preliminary results showed that crime increased after the facilities closed.

The RAND Corporation's web site proudly states that "RAND is widely respected for operating independent of political and commercial pressures." This about face will do little to support that statement. Policymakers and the public should be skepitcal of new results that contradict the preliminary findings, given the lack of credibility demonstarted by the decision to abandon their research because some elected officials complained.

Click here to read ASA's blog about the significance of the preliminary report.

Substitute Action: Tell President Obama to stop the federal attack on medical cannabis providers and property owners!