In states where marijuana remains illegal, cannabis-related arrests are significantly outpacing other drug violations, according to 2023 data from the FBI.
In Iowa, Louisiana, and Nebraska, marijuana offenses accounted for over half of all drug arrests.
Similarly, in ten more states—including Alabama, Idaho, and Utah—cannabis-related violations comprised over 40% of all drug-related arrests.
Meanwhile, states like California and New York, where personal marijuana possession is legal, saw cannabis-related arrests make up fewer than 3% of their drug busts last year.
This stark contrast underscores how criminal enforcement varies dramatically across state lines.
NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano weighed in on the findings, emphasizing that despite shifting public opinion, marijuana arrests continue to fuel drug enforcement efforts in regions where legalization hasn’t occurred.
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