Iowa

Iowa has gained notoriety for having one of the highest racial disparities in marijuana arrests, a concerning trend that defies logic and fairness. Astonishingly, both black and white Iowans use marijuana at the same rate, yet African Americans find themselves disproportionately targeted by law enforcement. In fact, statistics reveal that African American residents are eight times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession compared to their white counterparts.

This glaring disparity raises serious questions about the state’s criminal justice system and highlights the deeply rooted issues of racial bias and discrimination. It is a sobering reminder that even in states with relatively lower overall arrest rates for marijuana, the impact on minority communities remains alarmingly disproportionate, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive criminal justice reform.