Race Still A Factor In Essex County Marijuana Arrests: Report

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Black people are about 3.1 times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as white people in Essex County, according to a recent report from the American Civil Liberties Union.

On Monday – the cannabis “holiday” of 4/20 – the ACLU released a nationwide study that analyzed marijuana arrests from 2010 to 2018. (See the full methodology)

Essex County’s ratio of 3.1 to 1 was slightly lower than New Jersey’s average, where black people were 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as white people, the ACLU said.

The highest disparity was in Hunterdon County, where the ratio was 13.7 to 1 during 2018. The lowest was in Hudson County, where the ratio was 1.9 to 1. (See statewide statistics)

“For decades, marijuana laws have been used to criminalize black and brown people, waste taxpayer money and fuel the mass incarceration crisis,” ACLU researchers wrote.

“However, states across the country are taking strides toward reforming these outdated and harmful policies,” the ACLU stated. “Eleven states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana, and 18 states have decriminalized, which means they’ve removed some of the criminal penalties for possession of small amounts.”

• See related article: NJ Marijuana Arrests 'Soaring' As Legalization Debate Continues

New Jersey’s efforts to legalize recreational marijuana stalled last year when state lawmakers butted heads, ultimately deciding that “the votes just weren’t there.”

• See related article: New Jersey Cancels Vote On Marijuana Legalization

Residents will now decide the fate of legal cannabis in the Garden State on the ballot in November’s election.

• See related article: NJ Voters Will Decide Whether To Legalize Marijuana

"Although I remain disappointed in the Legislature's inability to legislatively legalize adult-use marijuana, I am optimistic that the people of New Jersey, who overwhelmingly support legalization, will vote to do so," Gov. Phil Murphy said.

• See related article: Gov. Murphy Gets High Grade From Marijuana Advocacy Group
• See related article: NJ Marijuana Patients Can't Be Fired For Failing Drug Test: Supreme Court

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