Being black or Hispanic is the surest way to face marijuana charges in New York. The number of black people arrested for marijuana possession is eight times higher than that of Hispanics. And while crime rates are down in the Big Apple, this racial imbalance continues to cause concern. For example, a senior police official told lawmakers that a higher percentage of black residents in Greenpoint and Canarsie call police to report people smoking pot.
While the percentage of arrests for possession of marijuana has decreased in New York over the last decade, it has remained high. In January-March 2018, there were 21,024 people arrested for criminal marijuana possession, compared to just 287 white people. This is nearly double the number of cases from the same period last year. And the proportion of Latino and black people in arrests for marijuana possession in New York is even higher than it was in 2013.
The disparity between arrests for marijuana possession of a small amount of marijuana is especially pronounced in predominantly white neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods, black and Hispanic residents outnumber whites six to one. However, even with similar usage rates, the disproportionate rate of black and Hispanic arrests for marijuana possession does not explain the disparity between the two racial groups. In fact, black and Hispanic people are incarcerated more frequently for marijuana possession than their white counterparts.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the rate of marijuana arrests for black and Hispanic people is more than twice as high as that of whites, despite their similar use of the drug. The disproportionate rate of arrests for marijuana possession can lead to eviction from public housing, a loss of children, and long-term difficulties finding work.
While black and Hispanic people are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, they are less likely to be convicted of the crime. As a result, the most common way to face a marijuana arrest is to be black or Hispanic. This can be a challenge if you are black or Hispanic, but it’s important to be aware of the laws in your area.
Although the racial disparity in marijuana possession arrests is racially based, the disparity in the cost of marijuana arrests is still significant. It is estimated that black and Hispanic residents face best cannabis seeds a greater likelihood of being arrested for a marijuana possession charge than white or Hispanic residents. The rate of black and Hispanic citizens in New York is more than double that of white people.
Those arrested for marijuana possession in New York are often disproportionately arrested in neighborhoods of color. This disproportionately affects African American and Hispanic people of all races. The rates of arrests in white and Hispanic neighborhoods are more than twice as high, but racial disparities are particularly high among those of color. Those accused of being a felon have to pay more than their fair share.
In 2015, the FBI arrested more than one in four people in Brooklyn for marijuana possession. As a result, racial disparity in drug arrests is not statistically significant. And racial disparities in the rate of marijuana use are also not indicative of criminal intent. Many police officers in black and Hispanic neighborhoods are more likely to arrest a person of color for a minor infraction than a white citizen.
The City’s black and Hispanic residents are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than those of white residents. In some precincts, the rate of arrests for marijuana is more than three times higher than that of the neighborhood’s Hispanic population. And the city’s Hispanic residents are more likely to be accused of drug use.
