FBI: Over 200,000 cannabis-related arrests in 2023

The FBI reported that there were 217,150 arrests for marijuana violations in 2023, slightly less than in 2022, when the number was 227,108, according to data published in the FBI's Crime Data Explorer.

Of those arrested in 2023 an incredible 84%—a little bit over 200,000 people—were charged solely with possessionwhich underscores the continued focus on minor cannabis offenses. It is important to note that FBI arrest data reflects the number of arrests, not the number of people arrested, as a person may be arrested multiple times in a year.

The 2023 figures are based on reports from local authorities covering 90 percent of the U.S. population, meaning the actual number of arrests for marijuana offenses is likely higher.

While this represents a long-term decline since the peak of 870,000 marijuana-related arrests in 2007, Deputy Director of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Paul Armentano expressed his concern.

“At a time when voters and their elected officials across the country are reevaluating state and federal marijuana policies, it is inconceivable that government agencies are unable to provide more accurate data on the estimated cost and scope of marijuana prohibition in America,”
said Armentano.

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Marijuana possession dominates the arrest rate

Despite individual states' legalization efforts, marijuana-related prosecutions remain a major driver of the U.S. drug war.

Marijuana arrests are part of a larger trend of drug offenses, which ranked second in the United States in terms of the number of arrest offenses in 2023. Police recorded 3,801,505 cases of drug possession, followed by the “All Other Offenses” category.

Drug possession was followed by arrests for simple assault (3,584,195 cases), driving under the influence (2,863,542 cases) and theft (2,372,550 cases). The data follows a trend that has been present in all other reports in the past.

Aggravated assault landed further down the list, underscoring that minor drug offenses are still the dominant element in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Also read: Legal weed = less crime: FBI data shows surprising benefits of cannabis legalization

FBI Data Overview 2023

The FBI's Crime in the Nation statistics for 2023 list over 14 million crimes reported by more than 16,000 law enforcement agencies.

This data is said to represent 94.3% of the U.S. population. A key finding is that national violent crime decreased by 3.0% in 2023, with murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery all declining significantly. The agency also reported a slight 0.6% decrease in hate crimes, indicating progress in several areas of law enforcement, even as marijuana arrests continue to contribute significantly to the numbers.

Read more: GOP Senator Collins questions FBI on 'serious problem' of Chinese organized crime in illegal cannabis cultivation in Maine

Cover: FBI media website