How Cannabis Law Works in the US Right Now
Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level. That puts it in the same category as substances considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
In practice, however, the reality is more complicated. Many states have introduced their own exceptions, including:
- Medical exemptions: Patients can access cannabis with a prescription or medical card.
- Recreational exemptions: Some states, such as California, allow adults to possess and use small amounts for personal use.
- Use restrictions: Even in legal states, there are rules about where and how cannabis can be consumed.
This means someone could be fully compliant with state law, but still technically in violation of federal law — a legal grey area that has existed for years.
Trump has now suggested that this may change.
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