Pennsylvania police arrest an average of 32 people daily for cannabis possession, highlighting the need for reform.
New data shows that over 12,000 people were arrested for cannabis possession in Pennsylvania in 2023, with police making an average of 32 arrests per day.
This figure underscores the need for marijuana reform as state lawmakers prepare to reconvene next week under increasing pressure to act on legalization.
According to data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCRS), 10,463 adults and 1,578 juveniles were arrested in 2023 for possessing up to 30 grams of cannabis. The data was compiled by Chris Goldstein, a regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and first reported by Marijuana Moment.
Unequal Enforcement And Local Decriminalization Efforts
“Pennsylvania stands out as having some of the most arrests of any state in America at this point," said Goldstein, who noted that PA’s prohibition is especially stark given that neighboring states like Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York have already enacted adult-use legalization. While more than 80 cities across Pennsylvania have implemented local decriminalization measures or reduced penalties for simple cannabis possession, the state remains an outlier in the region.
Goldstein’s data also shows that the arrests disproportionately affect Black residents, who accounted for 40% of cannabis possession arrests despite making up only 12% of the state's population.
Cannabis Reform And 2024 Election
As Pennsylvania faces mounting calls for reform, the push for cannabis legalization could influence the state's political landscape. With Pennsylvania being a critical swing state in national elections, the issue of cannabis reform could become a decisive factor.
A recent poll shows that a strong majority of voters in five key districts support cannabis legalization.
However, Goldstein remains skeptical that meaningful progress will be made in the current legislative session. “There are plenty of Democrats and Republicans who've offered well-thought bills over the years, but GOP leadership has blocked them from moving forward,” he said.
