Using official FBI and U.S. Census data, the ACLU has analyzed arrest rates and trends for marijuana possession by race for every county in Maryland between 2001 and 2010. The results are shocking.

The results of the ACLU’s analysis are detailed in the pages to come, but there were five overarching findings:

1. Maryland now has one of the highest rates of arrests for marijuana possession in the nation.
2. Between 2001 and 2010, arrests for marijuana possession increased dramatically in Maryland — by 34%.
3. Even though Blacks and Whites use marijuana at comparable rates, police arrest Blacks for marijuana possession at higher rates than Whites in every county in Maryland.
4. Racial disparities in marijuana arrests worsened dramatically in Maryland from 2001 to 2010. During that time, the number of Black arrests increased by 5,614 — but White arrests increased by only 371.
5. Maryland spent approximately $106 million enforcing marijuana possession laws in 2010 alone.

See maps with regional information:

• Baltimore City
• Central Maryland
• Eastern Shore
• Western Maryland

Hear the personal experiences of people caught in Maryland’s misguided marijuana possession arrest dragnet.

Read Chaz Slaughter's story

See national and Maryland poll data

1. In light of these shocking disparities and substantial costs, Maryland should join other states that have chosen to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana.
2. By treating marijuana use as a public health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue, we can address concerns about substance abuse without criminalizing people.
3. Local officials, police chiefs, and prosecutors should agree to make enforcing marijuana possession laws among their lowest priorities.
4. Law enforcement agencies should actively combat racial profiling and eliminate incentives for improper stops, searches, and arrests, by ensuring officers understand the law; tracking and reporting how police conduct stops and searches, and by taking corrective action when stops and searches are conducted improperly.

1. Tell the people in your life about the racial disparities and human and financial costs of treating marijuana as a criminal justice issue rather than a public health issue — at your job, at your place of worship, or anywhere else you can start a conversation.
2. Speak out against harsh drug policies and the criminalization of communities of color — write letters to local officials, media or religious leaders using the data in the ACLU’s report.
3. Organize a forum in your community to talk about these issues.
4. Know your rights in interactions with police.