2001 to 2010
There were 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010. 88% of those arrests were for simply possessing marijuana. The arrest data revealed a trend of racial bias. Black POC (people of color) are nearly 4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana despite relatively equal usage compared to white people.
52% of all drug arrests in 2010 were for marijuana.
These arrests can mean a person loses their job and public benefits.
States waste $3.6 billion every year by enforcing marijuana laws. Why waste money on enforcing these laws when we can invest in our communities?
2015
In 2015, nearly 644,000 people were arrested for marijuana law violation. 89% were arrested for just possession alone. 57% of these arrests were for people who were black or Latino. Again, the usage of marijuana between white people and minorities are basically the same.
2016
In 2016, 89% of Americans supported medical marijuana and 54% of Americans supported legalization of marijuana for recreational use.
When someone is arrested for marijuana, not only does it cost the states a lot of money, but it is a huge personal cost for many people. It makes no sense to ruin someone’s life for something as harmless as marijuana. These arrests can affect an individual’s eligibility for employment opportunities, public housing, immigration status, child custody determinations, and public housing.
Though some states have legalized marijuana, there’s still a long way to go for the rest of the country. By legalizing marijuana usage nationwide we can save a fortune and put some of that money towards bettering our communities.
