Understanding the Legalities of THC in the US

Marijuana laws are changing at an accelerated pace in all 50 states. Learn more about individual legalization laws regarding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in each state.

Understanding the Legalities of THC in the US

Are you wondering what the marijuana laws are in your state? With ever-changing laws, it's important to understand and respect the rules that vary in the US regarding the use of marijuana. To keep up with these changes, DISA has provided an interactive map with information on legalization, medical use, recreational use, and more. Scroll through each state to learn more about their individual legalization laws. In the United States, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose through the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA).

According to the CSA, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance, and is determined to have a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use. Despite this, most states have legalized one or both of the medical and recreational use of cannabis. Medical use of cannabis is legal with a doctor's recommendation in 37 states, four out of five permanently inhabited in the US. The Territories and the District of Columbia (D.

C.) also allow medical marijuana use. Eleven other states have laws that limit the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in order to allow access to products rich in cannabidiol (CBD). While cannabis remains a Schedule I drug, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment prohibits federal prosecution of individuals who comply with state laws on medical cannabis. Some cannabis-derived compounds have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use. The cannabinoid drugs that have received FDA approval are Marinol (THC), Syndros (THC), Cesamet (nabilone) and Epidiolex (CBD).

For over-the-counter use, CBD and delta-8-THC derived from industrial hemp are federally legal, but legality and enforcement vary by state. Decriminalized in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Delta-8 THC is considered federally legal because it is derived from the hemp plant, rather than marijuana. This means that Delta-8 THC has the potential to be as psychoactive as any traditional marijuana product. It also has the potential to be used as a pain reliever, meaning it can relieve pain for people suffering from a variety of conditions; however, this use of Delta 8 THC has not been approved by the FDA. If you're in a state where Delta 8 THC is legal, it's important to make sure that the brand you trust sells legal Delta 8 THC products.

That legislation legalized hemp, which is defined as a cannabis plant containing 0.3 percent delta-9 THC or less, levels considered too low to have a psychoactive effect. Last week, Colorado lawmakers passed a law to limit the sale of products containing THC delta-8 and to create a working group to continue studying intoxicating hemp products. Doctors and medical professionals can help you determine if this type of cannabis is right for your specific needs and offer advice on doses, potential positive effects and general concerns about using Delta 8 products with THC to achieve maximum benefits without negative side effects. Although some plants are grown to contain higher amounts of THC, “there is a limited amount of THC that a plant can produce”. Adults can smoke or vape cannabis anywhere smoking tobacco is allowed under smoke-free air laws, with some exceptions.

If your destination is a place where Delta 8 THC is legal, it's possible to travel between those locations as long as you travel within the legal limits. It's important to understand and respect the rules that vary in the US regarding the use of marijuana.