Image for States' Rights to Regulate Cannabis

States' Rights to Regulate Cannabis

States' rights to regulate cannabis refer to the legal authority of individual states to create their own laws regarding the production, sale, and use of cannabis, regardless of federal law. The U.S. Constitution allows states to manage their own affairs, including public health and safety. While cannabis remains illegal federally, many states have chosen to legalize it for medical or recreational use. This creates a patchwork of laws across the country, reflecting local values and preferences, and often reflects the idea that states should be able to govern issues relevant to their residents without interference from the federal government.