Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction

Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction

In the United States, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose. At the state level, however, policies regarding the medical and recreational use of cannabis vary greatly. The medical use is legalized, with a doctor’s recommendation, in 35 states, four out of five permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

About Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction in brief

Summary Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdictionIn the United States, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose, by way of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Under the CSA, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance, determined to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use – thereby prohibiting even medical use of the drug. At the state level, however, policies regarding the medical and recreational use of cannabis vary greatly, and in many states conflict significantly with federal law.

The medical use is legalized, with a doctor’s recommendation, in 35 states, four out of five permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The recreational use is legalized in 15 states and the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Commercial distribution is allowed in all jurisdictions where cannabis has been legalized.