state-level legalization

State-level legalization refers to the process by which individual states enact laws to permit certain activities, like cannabis use, that may still be illegal under federal law. This means that while the federal government may classify something as illegal, states can create their own regulations, allowing for legal possession, sale, or use within their borders. This approach often leads to variations in rules and enforcement from one state to another, reflecting local values and priorities. It highlights a complex relationship between state and federal authority in shaping public policy.