Majority of W.Va. Drug Arrests Are for Marijuana

Arrest figures show that a majority of drug arrests in West Virginia are for marijuana.

A review of West Virginia drug arrests by The Charleston Gazette shows that more than half have been for marijuana since 2000.

Charleston police Lt. Chad Napier says marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs. He says people arrested for other crimes often have marijuana in their possession.

Matt Simon with the Marijuana Policy Project says West Virginia has more severe problems with other drugs, such as methamphetamine and prescription drugs. He says the Legislature should revisit penalties for marijuana and reconsider whether marijuana possession should be a crime.