Pubdate: Tue, 02 Feb 2016
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Press
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154

AGENCY TOLD TO TRACK ITS MONITORING OF CANNABIS LEGALIZATION

(AP) - The Government Accountability Office says the Justice 
Department needs to better document how it's tracking the effect of 
marijuana legalization in the states.

In a report Monday, investigators noted that the department said in 
2013 it would allow states to regulate marijuana for medical or 
recreational use, as long as they meet federal law enforcement 
priorities that include keeping pot away from children and keeping 
criminal organizations out of the industry.

But, the GAO said, the government isn't documenting how it is making 
sure states meet those priorities. The report recommends that the 
Justice Department start doing so, which will put it in better 
position to identify states that aren't meeting federal pot 
enforcement priorities.

The Justice Department said it agrees with the recommendations.

Four states - Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska - and the 
District of Columbia have legalized recreational pot use.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom