Dazed and Confused: An Overview of Medical Marijuana and Cannabis Laws

Even though marijuana remains illegal under Federal Law, twenty-eight states have legalized marijuana for adult-use, either recreationally or medically. This movement has led to a booming multi-billion dollar industry, with countless entrepreneurs investing in growing facilities, dispensaries and ancillary businesses that service the marijuana needs of millions of Americans. However, the dichotomy between federal and state law has caused confusion and frustration for various stakeholders.

While recent polls have shown that up to 60% of Americans now support the legalization of marijuana, the Federal government still maintains that marijuana is an illegal Schedule 1 narcotic. Regardless of state law, companies and consumers in the marijuana industry are technically violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

This course, presented by Hanan Kolko (materials prepared by Yulian Shtern), reviews the different regulatory systems implemented in the various states and their interaction with the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which criminalizes marijuana. Mr. Kolko also examines various perspectives of stakeholders in the marijuana or cannabis industry, such as physicians, patients, caregivers, growers, dispensers and attorneys.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the relevant federal and state laws and regulatory programs
2. Learn how conflicts between these laws cause problems for business owners and consumers
3. Identify ethical and professional responsibility issues in advising clients on medical marijuana matters