As public opinion increasingly becomes pro-cannabis (currently, an overwhelming 91 percent of Americans favor legalization of cannabis), so have state laws and policy. Though cannabis remains illegal at the federal level pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult-use and medicinal purposes. Another 14 states have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, while an additional 11 states allow cannabis use for very limited medicinal purposes. Only two states – Idaho and Nebraska – prohibit any use of cannabis, yet efforts in those states to soften these prohibitions continue.
Reflecting these changing attitudes and circumstances, the federal government has de-prioritized enforcement of federal cannabis law in states that have legalized cannabis. Currently, the challenges faced by the cannabis industry at the state level has grown exponentially as state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances are constantly being added and refined. Litigation remains an ever-present concern for cannabis business owners attempting to navigate these regulations, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, along with threats of legal action from anti-cannabis interests.
At the same time, nationwide the cannabis industry is experiencing a period of acquisition and consolidation, while the larger cannabis corporations are going public in Canada to obtain needed capital and gain access to the world banking system.
No matter where you are in the current cannabis maze, the cannabis attorneys of GRSM are here to help you navigate these challenging times in a safe and legal manner. And when litigation is required, GRSM can aggressively defend your interests in every state and federal jurisdiction in the country as YOUR 50 STATE LAW FIRM™.
Return to the Cannabis, Hemp & CBD overview.