Cannabis, with a long history of therapeutic use, was legal in the United States during the 1800s. However, this changed in the 20th century when Congress outlawed its recreational use in 1937, after the development of synthetic painkillers and a surge of media attention to cannabis-related violence. Today, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, despite varying state laws on its medicinal and recreational use.
The clash between federal and state legislation on marijuana is evident. While federal law maintains its illegality, many states have taken a different path. For instance, in California, cannabis is legal for both medicinal and adult recreational use, as long as individuals meet age requirements and comply with local regulations. The state enforces strict regulations to ensure business operations are safe and that products are contaminant-free.
Similarly, New Jersey has its own set of laws and regulations under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act and its amendments, defining the governance of its Medicinal Marijuana Program. Adults 21 or older in California are permitted to use, carry, and grow cannabis. However, until January 1, 2018, purchasing cannabis without a physician’s recommendation or a medical marijuana identification card was not legal.
The Department of Cannabis Control in California provides resources for understanding what is permissible in the state, which includes buying, growing, and possessing cannabis under specific conditions. The legalization trajectory has been such that 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis, with 11 states and D.C. allowing adult recreational use.
Despite the widespread use and the trend toward legalization, the federal status of marijuana creates a policy gap that is yet to be resolved. This disconnect affects various aspects, including banking regulations and federal law enforcement priorities. There is a growing dialogue on aligning federal laws with state initiatives to address this policy gap and to consider the public health opportunities that state legislatures encounter with cannabis legalization.
For more in-depth information and updates on the legal status of cannabis, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the DEA’s Drug Fact Sheet on Marijuana/Cannabis, and the Federal Status of Marijuana. Californians can also access specific state guidelines on the official Department of Cannabis Control website.