Former NORML director and Shenandoah University professor Jon Gettman,
Ph.D has just published a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of
cannabis arrests in the United States.
The report highlights some upward trends in marijuana-related arrests, and
lots of interesting charts that help activists, media, policy makers and
general public know about the huge scope and expense of trying to maintain
criminal sanctions on marijuana possession and commerce, notably when:
1) The American public no longer supports cannabis prohibition (58%
support legalization according to Gallup).
2) Over half the states have reformed their cannabis laws in one form or
another, with the states of Colorado and Washington mightily deviating
from the federal prohibition by establishing tax-n-regulate policies.
3) Voters in states like Oregon, Alaska and Florida will likely further
push down the federal prohibition by passing substantive reform
initiatives at the ballot box this fall.
Since the the late 1980s Dr. Gettman has published numerous reports and
analysis on cannabis arrests, and this most recent review and analysis
only adds to an already impressive body of work in the field.
To view executive summary and new arrest report, click here.