In 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) destroyed 16,067 marijuana plants in Oregon, an achievement that cost nearly $1 million — or $60 per plant. The $960,000 price tag breaks down to $275,000 spent on police overtime and $685,000 spent hiring a helicopter.
Russ Belville of the Portland, Oregon branch of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) describes the eradication effort as "largely a make-work, overtime program for cops to go pull weeds and spend taxpayer money on helicopters." Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), who wants to get rid of the DEA's pot destruction program nationwide, agrees that the project is "a huge waste of federal taxpayer dollars," especially in states like Oregon where recreational pot use is now legal.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 11, 2025Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - shark-infested waters, Mother's Day, and more
-
5 fundamentally funny cartoons about the US ConstitutionCartoons Artists take on Sharpie edits, wear and tear, and more
-
In search of paradise in Thailand's western islesThe Week Recommends 'Unspoiled spots' remain, providing a fascinating insight into the past
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
