Despite the passing of marijuana legalization laws in different states across the U.S., the number of marijuana-related arrests keeps rising.
On Monday, the FBI released new data which showed that in 2018, the number of marijuana arrests was 663,367. This means that every 48 seconds, one marijuana-related arrest was made. The data showed an increase from 659,700 arrests that were made in 2017, while there were 653,249 arrests in 2016.
The number of arrests continues to rise even though more than 11 states in the United States have legalized the use of recreational marijuana for people who are 21 years and above.
The previous years’ data together with this year’s, show that the police are still making marijuana-related arrests despite the law stating otherwise in states like Michigan and Illinois which have laws allowing the recreational use of marijuana though the products are not yet legally available.
The FBI reports show that before 2016, there was a steady decrease in the number of cannabis-related arrests for the past ten years.
Erik Altieri, the director of NORML, says that Americans should be outraged because the police department is wasting tax revenue and limited law enforcement resources on marijuana-related arrests even in legalized states.
The numbers reported by the FBI are part of an FBI’s Uniform Crime Report system where the local police who make the arrest participate by sending the data to the federal government.
In 2018, cannabis-related arrests were 663,367. Of this figure, 92% were for cannabis possession. The total arrests made for crime-related activities in the nation amounted to 1,654,282; this means that one person was arrested in the U.S. every 19 seconds. The FBI reported that in 2018 alone, drug busts arrests were 16 percent of the total arrests.
Arrests related to aggravated assault, arson burglary, fraud, sex offenses, or disorderly conduct were less than those of marijuana. Of all the arrests made only 33% for rape, 30% for robbery, and 14% burglaries prosecuted and convictions obtained.
Altieri further adds that the ban on marijuana is a failed policy because the only thing Americans from all political affiliations want is the end of the cannabis ban. It’s high time the lawmakers started respecting the wishes of their constituents by enacting marijuana policies focused on legalization and better regulation as it will help in ending the disastrous past practices by the police, he added.
Analysts think cannabis industry players like Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: NUGS) and SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) must be wondering when the U.S. federal government will wake up and realize that it isn’t viable anymore to continue with its prohibitionist policy on marijuana.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com