Despite a growing wave of cannabis legalization across the United States, marijuana-related arrests remain alarmingly common in certain states.
In fact, FBI data show that in 2024 police made nearly 190,000 arrests for marijuana possession nationwide, accounting for about 22% of all drug arrests. These arrests are overwhelmingly for nonviolent offenses, with the vast majority for simple possession. Crucially, the bulk of these arrests occur in states where cannabis remains illegal for adult use. States with prohibition or only limited medical programs continue to drive up arrest totals, whereas jurisdictions that have legalized see steep declines in such arrests.
Below, we rank the 20 states with the highest frequency of marijuana arrests, whether by sheer number or by rate per capita, using the most recent available data. For each state, we provide the latest annual arrest totals for cannabis possession, the per capita arrest rate where notable, a brief overview of relevant marijuana laws, and any recent enforcement trends or developments.
Texas
Texas far and away leads the nation in marijuana arrests. In 2024, Texas police made more than 26,600 arrests for cannabis possession, the highest of any state. This translates to roughly 88 arrests per 100,000 residents, a striking figure for a state of roughly 30 million people. Nearly all of Texas’ marijuana-related arrests were for simple possession, underscoring the focus on nonviolent offenses. Under Texas law, possession of any amount up to four ounces is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, while possession of larger amounts can trigger felony charges. Cannabis remains fully illegal in Texas for both recreational and medical use, aside from an extremely limited CBD program.
Tennessee
Tennessee is another state where cannabis prohibition is still strictly enforced. In 2024, police in Tennessee made approximately 11,574 arrests for marijuana possession, one of the highest totals in the country. That equates to roughly 165 arrests per 100,000 residents. All cannabis use remains illegal in Tennessee, with no recreational or comprehensive medical marijuana program, only limited CBD allowances. Possession of even a small amount is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania recorded just over 11,000 marijuana possession arrests in 2024, placing it among the top states for total arrests. With a population of about 13 million, this equals roughly 85 arrests per 100,000 residents. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, although the state operates a medical marijuana program.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin reported approximately 10,978 marijuana arrests in 2024, an exceptionally high figure for a state with fewer than six million residents. That amounts to nearly 186 arrests per 100,000 people. Wisconsin has neither legalized recreational marijuana nor adopted a comprehensive medical marijuana program, leaving virtually all possession illegal.
First-time possession is a misdemeanor, but Wisconsin is one of the few states where a second possession offense becomes a felony. More than half of all drug arrests in the state involve marijuana, highlighting the continued emphasis on cannabis enforcement.
North Carolina
North Carolina logged more than 10,800 marijuana possession arrests in 2024, placing it in the top five nationally. That works out to roughly 100 arrests per 100,000 residents. Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use, and the state has not enacted a full medical marijuana program.
While North Carolina technically decriminalized possession of very small amounts decades ago, individuals are still charged and processed through the criminal justice system. Local efforts to reduce enforcement have had limited impact, and marijuana arrests continue to account for a large share of drug-related charges statewide.
South Carolina
South Carolina reported about 9,638 marijuana possession arrests in 2024, translating to roughly 182 arrests per 100,000 residents. Marijuana remains fully illegal in the state, with no medical cannabis program beyond limited CBD use.
Simple possession is a misdemeanor, but penalties escalate quickly for repeat offenses or larger quantities. Marijuana arrests account for a significant portion of all drug enforcement in South Carolina.
Louisiana
Louisiana recorded roughly 9,573 marijuana possession arrests in 2024 and stands out for the share of drug enforcement devoted to cannabis. Nearly 60% of all drug arrests in the state involve marijuana.
Georgia
Georgia logged approximately 9,525 marijuana possession arrests in 2024, about 90 arrests per 100,000 residents. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, and the state’s medical program is extremely limited.
Indiana
Indiana recorded roughly 9,300 marijuana arrests in 2024, placing it among the top states nationwide. With no medical or recreational marijuana program, all possession remains illegal.
Even small amounts can lead to jail time, and penalties increase sharply for repeat offenses. Arrests continue at a steady pace, reflecting Indiana’s refusal to soften its marijuana laws despite growing public support for reform.
Alabama
Alabama reported approximately 7,500 marijuana arrests in 2024. Although the state legalized medical marijuana in 2021, the program has been slow to roll out and has not significantly reduced enforcement.
Utah
Utah recorded more than 7,100 marijuana arrests in 2024, a high number relative to its population. While the state operates a medical marijuana program, recreational use remains illegal.
Iowa
Iowa reported roughly 5,568 marijuana arrests in 2024, translating to one of the highest per capita arrest rates nationwide. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, and the state’s medical program is extremely limited.
More than half of all drug arrests in Iowa involve marijuana, and arrest numbers have increased in recent years rather than declined.
Kansas
Kansas logged approximately 5,141 marijuana arrests in 2024. The state has no medical marijuana program and has not decriminalized possession.
Nearly half of all drug arrests in Kansas involve marijuana, and enforcement remains steady despite growing public support for reform.
Arkansas
Arkansas recorded about 5,000 marijuana arrests in 2024. While the state has a functioning medical marijuana program, recreational use remains illegal.
Arrest totals have declined over the past several years but remain significant, particularly in areas outside major cities.
Idaho
Idaho reported more than 5,100 marijuana arrests in 2024, giving it the highest per capita arrest rate in the country. The state has no medical marijuana program and strictly enforces prohibition.
More than half of all drug arrests in Idaho involve marijuana, reflecting the state’s zero-tolerance approach.
Florida
Florida recorded several thousand marijuana arrests in 2024, a relatively low figure for a state of more than 22 million people. A robust medical marijuana program and widespread local decriminalization have reduced enforcement.
Nevertheless, marijuana possession remains illegal under state law, and arrests continue in jurisdictions without local reforms.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma logged approximately 4,387 marijuana arrests in 2024. The state’s expansive medical marijuana program has significantly reduced enforcement compared to previous years.
However, recreational marijuana remains illegal, and arrests continue for individuals without medical authorization.
Mississippi
Mississippi reported about 4,001 marijuana arrests in 2024. The state legalized medical marijuana in 2022 and has long had limited decriminalization for small amounts.
Despite those measures, thousands of arrests still occur each year, particularly for repeat offenses or larger quantities.
Nebraska
Nebraska recorded roughly 3,724 marijuana arrests in 2024. Although first-offense possession is treated as a civil infraction, repeat offenses and larger quantities still result in criminal charges.
More than half of all drug arrests in the state involve marijuana, keeping enforcement levels high.
Wyoming
Wyoming reported approximately 1,416 marijuana arrests in 2024. While the raw number is low, the per capita arrest rate is among the highest in the nation.
The state has no medical marijuana program and enforces strict penalties for possession, leading to frequent arrests relative to its small population.
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