A July 2012 study by Nancy J. Kepple, M.S.W. of the Department of Social Welfare, University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, California, and Bridget Freisthler, PH.D.  of the Lewis Center Faculty Fellow, University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, California states the following conclusions:

“There were no observed cross-sectional associations between the density of medical marijuana dispensaries and either violent or property crime rates in this study. These results suggest that the density of medical marijuana dispensaries may not be associated with crime rates or that other factors, such as measures dispensaries take to reduce crime (i.e., doormen, video cameras), may increase guardianship such that it deters possible motivated offenders.”