Between 1990 and 2002, there was a significant increase in marijuana arrests, with 82% of the overall growth in drug arrests attributed to marijuana offenses. The majority of marijuana arrests were for possession alone, and a small percentage resulted in felony convictions. Racial disparities were evident, with African Americans being disproportionately affected by marijuana arrests. Additionally, a significant number of low-level marijuana offenders were sentenced to prison, even though they posed minimal risk to public safety.