Overview of Marijuana Arrests in 2022
Law enforcement agencies across the United States reported a significant number of marijuana-related arrests in 2022. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, there were at least 227,108 arrests for marijuana violations in that year.
Notably, a staggering 92 percent of these arrests were solely for possession. This figure marks a slight increase from 2021, which saw a total of 219,489 marijuana arrests.
Reporting Gaps and Inconsistencies
While these numbers are concerning, they may not paint the full picture. A considerable percentage of law enforcement agencies did not report their data to the FBI. In 2022, data was reported by 83 percent of agencies, covering 75 percent of the US population.
This is an improvement from 2021 when only 63 percent of agencies reported their data. The actual reasons behind the year-to-year increase in reported marijuana possession arrests remain ambiguous.
It could be attributed to changes in police tactics, more agencies reporting, or a combination of both factors. Furthermore, discrepancies have been observed between the raw data provided by the agency and the data published on their website.
Marijuana Arrests: A Historical Perspective
In 2007, marijuana arrests in the US reached a peak with over 870,000 marijuana-related arrests. During this period, nearly half (48 percent) of all drug-related arrests in the country were due to marijuana violations. By 2022, approximately 30 percent of all reported drug-related arrests were for cannabis.
NORML's Perspective on the Arrest Data
NORML’s Deputy Director, Paul Armentano, expressed concerns over the significant gaps in the available information. He emphasised the importance of having comprehensive data, especially when the nation is re-evaluating its marijuana policies.
Armentano stated:
“At a time when voters and their elected officials nationwide are re-evaluating state and federal marijuana policies, it is inconceivable that government agencies are unable to produce more explicit data on the estimated costs and scope of marijuana prohibition in America.”
He further highlighted that despite the incomplete data, it's evident that marijuana seizures and prosecutions remain a primary driver of drug war enforcement in the US.
The Changing Landscape of Marijuana Legalisation
Since 2012, there has been a significant shift in the legal landscape of marijuana in the US. A total of 23 states, along with the District of Columbia, have legalised adult-use marijuana possession. Furthermore, Ohio residents will have the opportunity to vote on a similar marijuana legalisation measure in November.
Continued Arrests Despite Legalisation Efforts
Despite the growing trend of legalisation, hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to face arrests for marijuana violations. This is particularly concerning given that a majority of voters believe that responsible marijuana use by adults should not be criminalised.
The data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive marijuana reform at both the state and federal levels.
