Explanation: Five of the nation’s top 15 counties for highest black arrest rates for marijuana possession are in Texas—Chambers (2nd), Cooke (3rd), Kleberg (7th), Hopkins (9th), and Van Zandt (13th). Harris County ranks fourth in the nation for number of blacks arrested for marijuana possession, while Dallas County is among the country’s top 25.2. In Texas marijuana arrests make up _____ percent of drug arrests. A. 12 B. 27 C. 38 D. 53
Explanation: In 2010, Texas was second in the nation in number of marijuana-possession arrests, which made up more than 53 percent of all drug arrests in the state.3. In 2010, Blacks make up 12.2 percent of the population but accounted for more than __________ of marijuana possession. A. half B. a third C. a quarter D. a fifth
Explanation: In 2010 blacks made up 12.2 percent of the Texas population but accounted for more than a quarter of arrests for marijuana possession. Statewide, blacks are 2.3 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana possession.4. Blacks use marijuana at... A. roughly equal rates to whites. B. much higher rates than whites. C. slightly lower rates than whites. D. much lower rates than whites.
Explanation: Blacks and whites use marijuana at roughly equal rates, yet blacks are almost four times more likely to be arrested across the nation for marijuana possession. According to the ACLU’s report, the significant increase in marijuana arrest rates over the last 10 years is largely due to the steep rise in arrests of blacks. Between 1995 and 2010, the number of marijuana arrests in this country increased by 51%.5. Texas ranks __________ in the nation in total arrests for marijuana possession. A. first B. second C. third D. fourth
Explanation: Texas ranks second in the nation in total arrests for marijuana possession, wasting nearly $300 million in state taxpayer money on a failed “War on Drugs.”6. Texas is the only state with two counties appearing in the nation’s top five for racial disparity. A. True B. False
Explanation: It’s the only state with two counties appearing in the nation’s top five for racial disparity—with Van Zandt at number one and Cooke at number four.Want to learn more about selective enforcement of marijuana laws in Texas? Get the full report, Texas specific facts, and the letters we sent to law enforcement agencies on our website.
