Despite the rapid reformation of marijuana laws by dozens of state and local governments across the nation, a report released last week by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania indicates a 33% increase in arrests for marijuana offenses in Pennsylvania over the past seven years.

The Pennsylvania State Police lead with the total number of arrests - more than doubling from 2010 to 2016. The ACLU says prosecuting and incarcerating these cases cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $225 million in those six years.

The report also reveals black Pennsylvanians are eight times more likely to be arrested on a marijuana offense than white people though the rates of use are similar. "This is merely the latest in a long line of studies to show that African-Americans suffer the greatest harm from the failed war on drugs," said ALCU of Pennsylvania executive director Reggie Shuford. "When police target marijuana users, they destroy lives. People who are ensnared in this system face limitations to employment, housing, and other fundamentals of daily life." A state police spokesperson told WHYY that troopers employ '"internal protocols and regulations" prohibiting "bias-based" policing.'

Those who oppose making marijuana legal still see it as a gateway drug that isn't as harmless as supporters say it is.

On Monday's Smart Talk, we'll discuss whether marijuana should be legalized with Andrew Hoover, communications director for the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Lebanon County District Attorney David Arnold.