State Legalization

State legalization refers to the process by which individual states in the U.S. decide to permit the use, sale, and possession of certain substances—such as marijuana—within their own jurisdictions. This change is made through state laws or regulations, even if such substances remain illegal under federal law. Legalization typically involves establishing rules for how these substances can be accessed, purchased, and used legally, aiming to regulate and control the market while addressing issues like public health and safety. It allows states to tailor policies to their residents' needs, separate from federal legal standards.