Marijuana use in the U.S. is roughly equal among blacks and whites, yet, on average, blacks are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession.

Consider the numbers here in Cincinnati, where whites account for almost 50% of the population and blacks 45%. Since the city toughened its marijuana laws in 2004, 89.7% or roughly 15,083 of those charged with marijuana possession, were black men. Turns out marijuana is indeed a gateway drug, but for black men that gateway leads to a jail cell.

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As Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman aptly said during Wednesday's City Council meeting, where an ordinance to decriminalize possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana passed 5-3, those numbers may not be evidence of institutional racism, but they clearly point to bias.

As a result, a permanent underclass – made up mostly of African American males – is being cultivated in Cincinnati. A misdemeanor arrest for marijuana possession has the ripple effect of cutting off employment, as well as bank and student loans and other opportunities for economic self-improvement. And we know the destructive implications for communities and families when a man cannot better himself or provide for his household.

Looking for ways to make a dent in Cincinnati's abysmal poverty rate? Stop fining, prosecuting and limiting the future prospects of otherwise law-abiding citizens for simply possessing a couple of joints.

Council's marijuana decriminalization law, spearheaded by Smitherman, is a progressive step in the right direction. According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union, there is a pot bust every 37 seconds in the U.S. – or about 100 people impacted every week in the Queen City, Smitherman estimated.

Cincinnati's law means liberation for thousands ensnared in the criminal justice system, particularly black men who are arrested at a rate of 716 per 100,000 compared with 192 per 100,000 for whites, according the ACLU.

The decriminalization law will undoubtedly draw criticism from those who believe marijuana leads to the use of stronger, more addictive drugs and that it will lead to more crime and gun violence. And Councilman David Mann's concern about the message it sends to youth under the age of 21 about what is permissible is not completely without merit.

But the fact is, America's attitude about marijuana has changed since the days of the 1936 propaganda film "Reefer Madness." Councilman Wendell Young recalled that back in the 1970s getting caught with a single marijuana cigarette was good for 2-15 (years) in the penitentiary. But Young said his position on marijuana has evolved to the point that his only objection is "I can't stand the smell of the stuff."

Every state has some form of marijuana legalization. Medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, including Ohio, and recreational and medical marijuana is legal in 23 states. State politicians, such as Sen. Cecil Thomas of North Avondale, say it's highly likely that marijuana will be fully legalized in Ohio within the next three to five years. Even the American Society of Addiction Medicine supports the decriminalization – not legalization – of marijuana and reducing penalties for possession for personal use, despite still having some concerns about the drug.

I think most people agree that law enforcement should continue to aggressively crack down on drug dealers and those who commit crimes against people and property in pursuit of drugs. But having citizens sitting in jail cells or dealing with the challenges that accompany a criminal record for possessing some marijuana do not serve the public good. Besides, the amount of money spent on enforcing marijuana laws every year in the U.S. – roughly $3.6 billion – hasn't decreased the allure, use or availability of marijuana.

The key to this new ordinance is how Police Chief Eliot Isaac chooses to enforce it. Last November, Norwood voters passed a similar law removing fines and jail penalties for marijuana possession of less than 200 grams, but the police chief there said officers would still charge people under federal and state law. Isaac previously indicated he would instruct his officers to follow whatever law council passes, though he did have some reservations about the 100-200 grams allowed.

Smitherman said he sent an email to the city manager immediately after the council meeting instructing him to get an answer from Isaac about his enforcement plan. The vice mayor said he wanted the city's 1,000 police officers "to stop citing people tonight (Wednesday)."

While not a part of the law, another important component will be getting the records expunged of citizens previously convicted of possessing 100 grams of marijuana or less. This was a point of emphasis for Councilwoman Tamaya Dennard, who refused to vote for the legislation without an assurance that expungement was part of the path forward and not an afterthought.

Smitherman said he is working with the city's law department on just such a plan. But his decriminalization bill isn't out of the woods just yet. A counter proposal by Councilman Mann to add an age limit and reduce the amount of grams would trump Smitherman's ordinance if he can get five or more votes. However, that appears to be an uphill battle at this point.

"This is critical legislation to free black men who are facing overcriminalization in this city," Smitherman said. "We've got to stop it. We've got to stop it now."

Yes, indeed.

Opinion Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@enquirer.com. Twitter: @kevaldrid.