I think it’s a pretty ridiculous study. Freedom studies are the conservative version of happiness studies. Here, the author considers the criminalization of marijuana as a major issue, but totally ignored eminent domain issues. Missouri would definitely not be anywhere near as high if he considered the later.
I would think the top criteria would be disposition (correct word?) of personal property, how much control do you have over your own property regards local laws, ordinances, fees etc.
Employment- are companies free to hire who they want? Are there excessive regulations that hamper small businesses and home businesses?
In other words are you free to live and thrive on your own terms? Is hard work and personal responsibility rewarded?
Religion- Are you really free to practice your religion without concern for oppression?
Education- are there a variety of educational opportunities? Affordable private schools, charter schools, vouchers, support for home schooling?
etc etc
You might want to look at page 48 of the report. ED is considered, not quite as heavily as marijuana, but it is considered. I don’t agree with that weighting, but it’s there.
It all depends on what your criteria is....
Pot and gambling is your number one??
And how is that weighted??