Pot, also known as marijuana or cannabis, remains illegal under federal law. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning it may have a high potential for abuse and is not accepted for medical use. This classification places marijuana in the same category as more harmful drugs such as heroin and LSD.
However, the issue is much more complicated. As of 2022, 37 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of marijuana, while 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. Therefore, state laws are currently in conflict with federal law, creating a complex legal situation for those involved in the cannabis industry. While several bills have been introduced in Congress to decriminalize or legalize marijuana at the federal level, none have yet passed into law.
Meanwhile, the cannabis industry has continued to grow, mainly due to the support of the general public and state governments. While federal laws will likely change in the next few years to reflect these shifting attitudes, those currently involved in the cannabis industry still face significant legal uncertainty and risk.