FBI Missouri marijuana arrest statistics reflect dramatic change after legalization

Missouri marijuana arrests have dropped from nearly 16,000 in 2018 down to slightly more than 1,000 in 2023. 2023 FBI Missouri arrest statistics for marijuana arrests in Missouri reflect a dramatic reduction in arrests following the legalization of medical marijuana by Missouri voters at the end of 2018. Arrest numbers in 2020 dropped by 1/3 from 15,462 in 2019 down to 10,650 in 2020. These statistics understate the number of arrests because some law enforcement agencies fail to report data to the FBI. In fact, in 2019 and 2020, less than one half of Missouri law enforcement agencies actually reported marijuana arrests. The total number of marijuana arrests therefore are probably roughly double the numbers reported during those years.

In stark contrast, in 2023, after adult use legalization passed by Missouri voters in 2022 became effective, although 70% of Missouri law enforcement agencies reported such arrest numbers, the total number of reported arrests was only 1,015.

This dramatic reduction in the numbers of arrests for marijuana means that the resources of law enforcement have been available to focus on more dangerous crimes, violent crimes and property crimes.

“Not only has the State of Missouri saved a tremendous amount of money by reducing the number of marijuana arrests and prosecutions dramatically, but the state has also realized sales tax revenue in excess of $15 million each year. That money was recently distributed to agencies providing health care and other services to veterans, the Missouri Public Defender system and agencies providing science-based drug treatment”, said Dan Viets, J.D., Chair of the National Board of Directors and Coordinator of NORML for the state of Missouri.

   

“Despite the dramatically reduced burden on police, prosecutors, probation officers and the courts, not a single public agency has suggested that its budget ought to be reduced because of the fact that many thousands of marijuana cases are no longer being prosecuted”, Viets said.

In the coming years, Missouri will continue to enjoy the benefits of the passage of Article XIV, the new section of our Constitution which reflects the will of the voters who chose to legalize marijuana. The courts continue to expunge records of marijuana convictions going back a century in our state. More than 130,000 such expungements have taken place so far.