Marijuana-related arrests make up more than half of all drug arrests in the U.S. Between 2001 and 2010, law enforcement made 8.2 million marijuana-related arrests, and 88% of them were for simple possession. Across the country, the data shows a clear pattern: racial bias plays a significant role in these arrests. Even though marijuana use rates are nearly the same across racial groups, Black individuals are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white individuals.
Half of Drug Busts Are for Marijuana
The majority of people arrested by police are not high-level drug dealers or traffickers. Instead, most arrests involve individuals with small amounts of marijuana.
Key Statistics:
52% of all drug-related arrests in 2010 were for marijuana.
The majority of these arrests targeted low-level possession rather than large-scale distribution.
Too Many Arrests
Over 7 million people were arrested for marijuana possession between 2001 and 2010. In 2010, law enforcement made a marijuana-related arrest every 37 seconds.
Who Smokes More Pot?
Marijuana use among 18- to 25-year-olds is similar between Black and white individuals. Blacks and whites use marijuana at about the same rate. However, arrests for marijuana possession are not happening equally across all communities.
Targeting Communities of Color
Black individuals are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white individuals. The arrest data shows a significant racial disparity in marijuana-related law enforcement. Black arrests for marijuana possession have consistently been much higher than white arrests from 2001 to 2010.
Worst Disparities in 2010
In Iowa, D.C., Minnesota, and Illinois, Black individuals were 7.5 to 8.5 times more likely than white individuals to be arrested for marijuana possession. These are the states with the highest racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests, ranked by how much more likely Black individuals were to be arrested compared to white individuals:
Iowa (~8.5x)
D.C. (~8x)
Minnesota (~7.5x)
Illinois
Wisconsin
Kentucky
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Nebraska
New York
Arrests Cost Too Much
Being arrested for marijuana can lead to losing a job or public benefits. For communities, marijuana-related arrests result in wasted money that could be used for better purposes. States spend $3,613,969,972 every year enforcing marijuana laws.
It's Time to Legalize
Over 50% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana.
Mary Watson
