Current Status
Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level in the United States. This means that it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use marijuana for any purpose under federal law.
State Laws
Despite the federal prohibition, many states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. As of 2021, recreational marijuana is legal in 18 states and Washington D.C., while medical marijuana is legal in 37 states.
Efforts for Federal Legalization
There have been ongoing efforts to change the federal status of marijuana. In recent years, several bills have been introduced in Congress to legalize marijuana at the federal level or at least decriminalize it. However, none of these bills have been passed into law yet.
Impact of Federal Legalization
If marijuana were to be legalized federally, it would have a significant impact on the cannabis industry. It would open up opportunities for businesses to operate legally and for consumers to access marijuana without fear of federal prosecution.
Conclusion
While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, the tide is shifting towards greater acceptance and legalization. It remains to be seen whether federal legalization will happen in the near future, but it is clear that the conversation around marijuana laws is evolving.