As more and more states move toward marijuana legalization, law enforcement authorities have been cracking down heavily on pot and targeting African Americans. According to a new report, marijuana arrests have doubled nationwide since 1991 even though pot use has remained about the same. In addition, the report states that blacks are 270 percent more likely to be arrested on pot charges than whites, according to the Chron. Overall marijuana arrests also have increased at a faster rate in California than they have nationwide, despite generally liberal views on cannabis in the Golden State.

The report shows there is a clear disconnect between law enforcement and the public over pot. It also provides definitive proof that arresting people and locking them up has had no effect on marijuana use.

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The increase in marijuana possession arrests of California teenagers of color since 1990 is quadruple that group's population growth.

In New York City, blacks and Latinos -- who represent about half the city's population -- accounted for 86 percent of everyone charged with pot possession in 2008. The NYCLU report says federal studies show young whites use marijuana at higher rates than blacks and Latinos.


www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION...cial.arrests/