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A1: *Only* legalization—NOT decriminalization, NOT a no-arrest policy, NOT a no-prosecution policy—will ensure that the devastation of marijuana prohibition imposed on predominately people of color ends. #MarijuanaJustice
As a public defender working at @BklynDefender, an office representing nearly half of every one arrested in Brooklyn, we see every day how marijuana drives broken windows policing, whether or not the police are even arresting or prosecutors charging as much. #MarijuanaJustice
Despite drop in arrests/prosecutions in NYC, 1000s still unnecessarily stopped, ticketed & fined for marijuana. Racial disparities have actually increased to 91% of all arrests, despite similar levels of use. Upstate, arrests & prosecutions continue in earnest. #MarijuanaJustice
Even if arrests *for marijuana* dropped to zero, marijuana *prohibition alone* would still drive racist policing. The odor of marijuana is new broken taillight. Police use it to justify unconstitutional stops & searches of predominately Black & Latinx people. #MarijuanaJustice
Marijuana *prohibition itself* creates opportunities for unnecessary & abusive police interactions. Police interactions, even if nothing is ultimately found, can have profound consequences. From emotional trauma to brutal violence. #MarijuanaJustice
Legalization is THE ONLY WAY to stop racist enforcement of marijuana laws. Period. #MarijuanaJustice
