Study shows gap in arrest rates for marijuana possession for African Americans

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union shows a gap in the rate of arrests for possession of marijuana in Kentucky when it comes to African Americans compared to white citizens.

The most recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union shows African Americans are more than nine times more likely to be arrested in Kentucky than white Kentuckians for possession of marijuana.

Nationally, African Americans are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana than whites. While the national number still shows a gap, Kentucky’s is much bigger. And Keturah Herron, a smart justice advocate with the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky offers input as to why. She says the problem is related to over-policing of neighborhoods where African Americans live.

But one statistic that does not factor into the numbers-the rates of marijuana use. Herron says there is no difference in marijuana use between African Americans and whites.

In statistics obtained from the Bowling Green Police Department, in 2019, the number of African Americans involved in drug arrests totaled 172 compared to 612 drug arrests of whites. The data does not break down types of drugs to specifically account for marijuana.

Herron also says that financial disparities play more of a role in conviction rates since many African Americans may not be able to afford a personal attorney.