The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is under scrutiny for not releasing its latest annual data on marijuana arrests and seizures. This omission has drawn criticism from advocates of cannabis reform, who argue that such information is essential during a pivotal period for U.S. marijuana policy.
Advocates Demand Transparency
The DEA has long provided yearly updates through its Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP), a practice spanning decades. However, the last reported figures, published in May 2023, have yet to be updated. Advocates, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), highlight the importance of this data, especially as debates over federal marijuana policies intensify.
Paul Armentano, NORML’s Deputy Director, criticised the delay, stating, “It is inconceivable that government agencies are unwilling to provide data on the estimated costs and scope of federal marijuana prohibition in America.”
Past Trends in DEA Data
The 2022 data revealed a notable increase in DEA activities:
- Over 5.7 million marijuana plants were seized—a rise after years of declining numbers.
- Arrests for marijuana-related offences, however, dropped significantly.
This divergence underscores the complex landscape of marijuana enforcement in an era when many states have legalised cannabis.
California: A Unique Case in Cannabis Enforcement
California accounted for a significant portion of DEA’s 2022 actions:
- 90% of all eradicated plants were found in the state.
- Over 50% of marijuana-related arrests occurred there.
Although California has legalised marijuana, many local jurisdictions still prohibit licensed cannabis businesses. This patchwork of regulations fuels an illicit market, making the state a focal point for federal enforcement.
Evolving Enforcement Trends
The drop in arrests aligns with broader national trends. As more states legalise marijuana, federal enforcement activities have shifted. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show a 29% decline in cannabis seizures at the southern border in 2023, reflecting reduced illegal trafficking.
A March report from the U.S. Sentencing Commission corroborated this trend, revealing a continued decline in federal marijuana trafficking cases. For context:
- 2013: Approximately 5,000 federal cases related to marijuana trafficking.
- 2022: Just 806 cases, with further reductions likely in 2023.
Government Accountability Office Report: Small Seizures Dominate
A 2022 analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted another key aspect of marijuana enforcement. Federal agents are mostly confiscating small amounts of cannabis from American citizens rather than making significant busts of international cartels.
The GAO also confirmed a steady decline in cannabis seizures at checkpoints since 2016, mirroring trends seen in other federal reports.
DEA’s Focus Shifts to Psychedelics
Even as the DEA lags on updating marijuana data, the agency has been active in other areas of drug policy. It recently increased the production quota for DMT, a psychedelic substance, for 2025, citing the need to support scientific research.
Additionally, quotas for psychedelics like ibogaine, psilocybin, and psilocyn have been adjusted to accommodate ongoing research efforts. Meanwhile, the agency continues to grapple with procedural challenges in its involvement in an administrative hearing on the Biden administration’s cannabis rescheduling proposal.
Calls for Accountability
Advocates argue that the lack of updated data from the DEA reflects poorly on its commitment to transparency. With federal and state marijuana policies evolving rapidly, accessible information is more critical than ever. Critics suggest that withholding this data undermines public understanding of the impact of federal cannabis prohibition.
The DEA has yet to comment on the delayed release of its DCE/SP report, leaving many to question whether the data will be made available before significant policy decisions are finalised.
