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Fact Sheet Cannabis Legalization and RegulationLegislation and Legal Challenges

Cannabis Regulation Resource Collection

November 30, 2022

Overview

Marijuana, which is still considered an illicit drug at the federal level, is legal in 21 states and D.C. for adults over the age of 21 for recreational use, and legal for medical use in 37 states and D.C.  The trend of state legalization continues to grow with Maryland and Missouri legalizing adult-use in 2022 through ballot measures.  As more states contemplate marijuana legalization, understanding the broad spectrum of public health and policy issues related to cannabis regulation is critical. This collection of resources surveys states’ laws regarding home cultivation; consumption site regulation; zoning restrictions; potency restrictions; product regulation; labeling requirements; packaging regulation; youth access regulations and enforcement; and adult-use advertising restrictions.