Illegal Marijuana: Opportunities Exist to Improve Oversight of State and Local Eradication Efforts
Abstract
Marijuana is generally illegal under federal law. Nonetheless, an increasing number of states have legalized medical or recreational marijuana under state law. However, in these states, some marijuana-related activity may still be illegal under state law. Since 1981, DEAs DCE/SP hasprovided financial support to participating state and local agencies for their efforts to eradicate illegal marijuana. GAO was asked to review DEAs DCE/SP. This report examines (1) DCE/SP funding and expenditures in recent years, (2) how DEA ensures that participating agencies expend funds in accordance with program requirements, and (3) how DEA uses performance assessment to help manage DCE/SP. GAO analyzed DCE/SP guidance, and expenditure and performance information from 2015 through fiscal year 2017, and evaluated DEAs oversight and performance management efforts against internal control standards. GAO also interviewed officials from DEA, the U.S. Forest Service, andparticipating agencies in six states, which GAO selected to include varying levels of DCE/SP funding and numbers of marijuana grow sites eradicated in recent years. GAO is making four recommendations, including that DEA develop a plan to ensure the collection of consistentdocumentation of expenditures, clarify its guidance for reporting program activities, document all of its program goals, and develop performance measures. DEA concurred with the recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1166421
Entities
People
- Adam Vogt
- Benjamin Licht
- Billy Commons
- Brett Fallavollita
- David Bieler
- Eric Hauswirth
- Gretta L. Goodwin
- Kimberly Mcgatlin
- Matthew T. Lowney
- Pamela Davidson
- Steve Gaty
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office