Decriminalization reduced cannabis possession arrests by over 70% for adults and 40% for youth, and reduced the Black-White arrest disparity by about 17% among adults but not youth.
Criminal justice reformers, policymakers, and racial equity advocates.
70%+ arrest reduction for adults; 17% decrease in racial disparity
What the researchers found
After decriminalization in 11 states, adult arrest rates declined over 70% and youth rates over 40% for both Black and White individuals. Among adults, decriminalization was associated with a roughly 17% decrease in the Black-White arrest rate ratio. Among youth, no change in racial disparity was observed despite overall arrest reductions.
Why it matters
Black Americans are disproportionately arrested for cannabis despite similar use rates to White Americans. Decriminalization reduced this disparity for adults, though not for youth.
The numbers in context
37 U.S. states, 11 decriminalized during study period. Adult arrests: -70%+ overall. Youth arrests: -40%+ overall. Adult racial disparity: -17%. Youth racial disparity: no change.
How the study worked
Difference-in-differences analysis using FBI Uniform Crime Report data from 37 U.S. states (2000-2019). Cannabis possession arrest rates calculated separately for Black and White adults and youth. Estimated association between decriminalization and racial disparity in arrest rates.
What this study cannot tell us
FBI data has known reporting gaps. Cannot control for all confounders. Different states decriminalized at different thresholds and with different penalty structures.
How to read the evidence
Strong quasi-experimental design using 20 years of FBI data across 37 states.
When this study was published
Published in 2022 with data from 2000-2019.
The bigger picture
The persistent racial disparity among youth despite decriminalization suggests that other policing practices or enforcement patterns contribute to racial inequities beyond cannabis law alone.
Questions still open
- Why does decriminalization reduce racial disparities for adults but not youth? What additional policies are needed to address racial equity in youth enforcement?
Common questions
Does decriminalization reduce racial disparities?
How much did arrests decrease?
Read the original research
Cannabis decriminalization and racial disparity in arrests for cannabis possession.
Social science & medicine (1982), 293, 114672
Citation
Gunadi, Christian; Shi, Yuyan. (2022). Cannabis decriminalization and racial disparity in arrests for cannabis possession.. Social science & medicine (1982), 293, 114672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114672