Sen. Elizabeth Warren has sent a detailed letter to Elon Musk, chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, with numerous suggestions for slashing federal spending. Among her proposals is scaling back federal enforcement against marijuana users and businesses, which she calls an example of “wasteful spending.”
Proposed Savings
Warren outlines that the United States could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually by cutting unnecessary federal enforcement actions and detention. She estimates that the federal government could save upwards of $2 trillion over the next decade by implementing her proposed changes.
Criticism of Federal Agencies
Warren criticizes federal agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for continuing to target legal marijuana businesses and seize cannabis plants. She argues that these arrests and seizures unnecessarily drain federal resources.
Historical Context
The DEA has spent over $1 trillion enforcing the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, the cornerstone of the War on Drugs. Despite this, Warren points out that almost half of states have legalized recreational marijuana, yet federal arrests for marijuana possession account for roughly a quarter of all drug possession arrests.
Recommendations
Warren recommends that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security deprioritize arrests and other actions targeting marijuana possession in jurisdictions where it’s legal under state law. She also highlights the need for the DEA to release updated data on marijuana-related arrests and seizures.
Recent Developments
The DEA eradicated over 5.7 million marijuana plants in 2022, and Warren criticizes the agency for failing to release updated data in 2024. Additionally, licensed New Mexico cannabis businesses have filed a lawsuit against CBP agents, accusing them of unconstitutional seizures and detentions.
Broader Implications
Warren’s proposals are part of a larger effort to reduce federal spending and promote government efficiency. Her letter to Elon Musk emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of federal spending and the implementation of cost-saving measures.
Key Points
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposes scaling back federal enforcement against marijuana users and businesses
- The federal government could save hundreds of millions of dollars annually by cutting unnecessary enforcement actions
- Warren criticizes federal agencies, such as the DEA and CBP, for targeting legal marijuana businesses
- The DEA has spent over $1 trillion enforcing the War on Drugs
- Almost half of states have legalized recreational marijuana, yet federal arrests for marijuana possession remain high