logo

Are around 1,000 people arrested annually for marijuana possession in Nevada?

By Esther Tsvayg
YES

According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Nevada averaged around 1,473 arrests for marijuana possession between 2017 and 2021. By year, arrests totaled 1,572 in 2017, 2,013 in 2018, 1,728 in 2019, 994 in 2020 and 1,060 in 2021. The FBI tallies arrests from marijuana sales separately.

In 2016, there were 6,103 arrests for marijuana possession. Such arrests have decreased significantly since Nevada voters legalized recreational cannabis in 2016.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email