Friend –

Today, we're releasing new data on marijuana arrests nationwide. At a time when the criminal legal system is facing increasing pressure to release people vulnerable to COVID-19, this report could provide a road map to governors, prosecutors, judges, and others across the country to take steps to decarcerate – and save lives.

We've uncovered that law enforcement made 6.1 million marijuana related arrests – the majority for possession – over the past eight years, despite reform efforts. Just as troubling, racial disparities in these arrests haven't improved.

In every state – legalized, decriminalized, illegal – Black people are 3.6x more likely to be arrested for marijuana than white people, despite similar usage rates.

In fact, disparities have actually worsened in most states over the past decade.

One thing is certain: There's so much more we could be doing to ensure that marijuana is not just legalized – but done so in a way that combats racial disparities in arrests head-on. Our report outlines how to do just that. Learn more.

– The ACLU Team