ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we consider police and policing cannabis. Theoretical starting points include strain theory, social control, and criminal justice growth. Key concepts explored in this chapter comprise the militarization of the police, the drug war, and the predatory practices attributed to the justice system, including stop and frisk, and stop and search. Research has demonstrated the challenge of police reform. Cannabis liberalization represents a specific example. One question is to what extent policing of cannabis is shifting around the world and what can be learned from cross-national studies on police reform.
