Low-level pot arrests down

August 5, 2013

Misdemeanor marijuana arrests in California have fallen sharply during the last five years after lawmakers decided that possession of a small amount of the weed would be considered an infraction. (Sacramento Bee)

In 2007, more than 133,000 Californians were arrested for misdemeanor pot possession, compared to only 72,000 last year.

Under the new rules, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for non medical purposes was reduced, punishable by a $100 fine. Before the law took effect, law enforcement officials were making an average of 150 criminal arrests a day.

Felony arrests also were down through 2012, by 15 percent, state Department of Justice data shows.