FBI Data: Over 200,000 Arrests for Cannabis Possession in 2023

LOS ANGELES- Despite growing momentum for cannabis legalization in the U.S., over 200,000 people were arrested for cannabis possession in 2023, according to new data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system. The report, which covers 94% of the U.S. population, shows that 84% of the cannabis-related arrests were for possession alone.

The data also highlights the continued racial disparity in enforcement. Although Black Americans make up approximately 14% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 41% of cannabis possession arrests in 2023—a significant increase from 31% a decade ago. This is despite similar usage rates across racial groups.

Arrest Trends and Regional Disparities

Cannabis possession arrests remain high, particularly in states where cannabis has not been legalized. Texas led the nation with over 25,500 arrests, followed by states like Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Georgia, all with thousands of arrests. However, even in states that have legalized cannabis, arrests continue, often for violations such as possession over the legal limit or possession with intent to sell.

In rural areas, including states like Idaho, Nebraska, and Utah, arrests for cannabis possession contribute significantly to the national total, underscoring the ongoing role of local law enforcement in cannabis prohibition.

Impact of Criminalization and Inconsistent Data

The consequences of these arrests extend beyond immediate legal ramifications. Criminal records for cannabis possession can restrict access to employment, housing, and education, disproportionately affecting minority communities. Dustin Chicurel-Bayard of the Clean Slate Initiative highlighted that in states like Louisiana, where 38% of adults have an arrest or conviction record, these impacts are far-reaching.

However, the FBI data itself is incomplete, with some law enforcement agencies failing to report their arrest statistics. This underreporting, combined with inconsistent classification of drug violations, limits a full understanding of the scope of cannabis-related enforcement in the U.S.

Legalization Efforts and Policy Implications

While cannabis arrests have decreased from a peak of over 870,000 in 2007, the 2023 figures show that cannabis-related prosecutions still drive a significant portion of drug law enforcement. As legalization efforts continue to gain traction at both state and federal levels, the persistence of cannabis arrests reflects the ongoing tension between state-level reforms and federal prohibition.

A DEA hearing in December could potentially lead to cannabis being rescheduled to a less restrictive category, a move supported by both major presidential candidates. However, as advocates like NORML’s Paul Armentano have noted, without better data and comprehensive policy reform, the consequences of cannabis prohibition will continue to affect hundreds of thousands of Americans annually.