Marijuana arrests nationwide declined 10% in 2019 from 2018, according to the FBI's crime stats. It's the biggest decline in arrests since 2011. Here are the arrest totals for the last decade:
2019 - 545,602 (-10.4%)
2018 - 608,775 (+1.6%)
2017 - 599,282 (-8.3%)
2016 - 653,249 (+1.5%)
2015 - 643,121 (-8%)
2014 - 700,993 (+1%)
2013 - 693,058 (-8%)
2012 - 749, 825 (-1%)
2011 - 757,969 (-13%)
2010 - 853,638
More MJ Arrests Stats
• Since 2010, arrests have declined by 37%. The rise in states where marijuana has been legalized - 11 since 2012 - is beginning to significantly impact the totals.
• In 2019, possession was the cause of 92% of marijuana arrests (500,395).
• in 2019, marijuana arrests exceeded arrests for all violent crimes (495,871).
• The total number of marijuana arrests in the U.S. from 2010-2019 is 6.8 million (680,551).
NORML Statement
Executive director Eric Altieri commented:
“Police across America make a marijuana-related arrest every 58 seconds. At a time when the overwhelming majority of Americans want cannabis to be legal and regulated, it is an outrage that many police departments across the country continue to waste tax dollars and limited law enforcement resources on arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens for simple marijuana possession.”
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