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“Annual arrest rate for marijuana possession for Black individuals was… 3.5 times higher than the arrest rate for white individuals… The higher arrest… rates for Black individuals are not attributable to differences in rates of marijuana use.” (h/t @slarjy)

Key Considerations for Marijuana Legalization 2020 Key Considerations for Marijuana Legalization 2020 Statewide, Black Virginians have historically been arrested and convicted of marijuana crimes at a disproportionately high rate. From 2010 to 2019, the average annual arrest rate for marijuana possession for Black individuals was 6.3 per 1,000. This rate was 3.5 times higher than the arrest rate for white individuals and substantially higher than arrest rates for other racial or ethnic groups (Figure 2-3). Statewide, Black Virginians have historically been arrested and convicted of marijuana crimes at a disproportionately high rate. From 2010 to 2019, the average annual arrest rate for marijuana possession for Black individuals was 6.3 per 1,000. This rate was 3.5 times higher than the arrest rate for white individuals and substantially higher than arrest rates for other racial or ethnic groups (Figure 2-3). Racial disproportionalities in marijuana possession arrests were found in all 88 localities where there was sufficient data. The rate of disproportionality varied by locality (Figure 2-4). For example, in Petersburg, Black individuals were 2.3 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, whereas in Arlington they were 14 times more likely. Racial disproportionalities in marijuana possession arrests were found in all 88 localities where there was sufficient data. The rate of disproportionality varied by locality (Figure 2-4). For example, in Petersburg, Black individuals were 2.3 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, whereas in Arlington they were 14 times more likely. Virginia could choose to use legalization to address prior disproportionality in marijuana enforcement Black Virginians comprise a disproportionately high percentage of individuals arrested and convicted of marijuana offenses. Virginia could choose to use legalization to address prior disproportionality in marijuana enforcement Black Virginians comprise a disproportionately high percentage of individuals arrested and convicted of marijuana offenses.
Key Considerations for Marijuana Legalization 2020
Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
VA JLARC
JLARC Report 542 draft), 16 November 2020
http://jlarc.virginia.gov/pdfs/reports/Rpt542-6.pdf
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