Last year the ACLU released a groundbreaking report that chronicled in remarkable detail the vast racial injustices that persist throughout the United States with respect to enforcement of marijuana laws. It was not a pretty picture, but it was a story that had to be told.
If you want a comprehensive look at all the data we collected, you should go back and read the full report. But for many people – especially those who are already convinced and looking to convert their friends and political representatives – a simple, elegant online advocacy tool is necessary.
Enter TheUncovery.org.
The ACLU has developed a one-stop shop where users select their own information, convert it into customized graphic messages, share them on social media, and send them to legislators – all in sixty seconds or less. The Uncovery contains information from all 50 states and allows users to compare and contrast data while also exploring the most noteworthy facts about the enforcement of marijuana laws all around the country.
Living in Maine we’re lucky that our state is one of the best when it comes to the racial disparity in marijuana arrests. But here’s the problem: being “one of the best” still means that a black person here in Maine is 2.13 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person, despite roughly equal use. While we should be glad that our disparity rate is lower than the national average of 3.73 times, it’s still completely unacceptable.
To explore more facts – like how much Maine spends per year on enforcing marijuana laws - or to learn more about the rest of the ACLU’s groundbreaking report, visit TheUncovery.org. After you’ve played around with the data, make sure to visit the “ACT” page where you can share the graphics with your friends or send a message to your legislators urging them to end the failed “War on Marijuana.”
