Medical Cannabis Coalition

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This app provides state-specific medical cannabis information. You must be at least 18 years of age or older to access state program details, just like the official state websites.

This application is educational only. It does not facilitate unlawful activity or encourage conduct outside of state law.

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National resource center

Federal Cannabis Laws & Legal Updates

What federal law says about cannabis today, which parts are settled, and which are still moving, with the official sources for each.

Information last verified October 27, 2026 · Educational information, not legal advice

Marijuana is in Schedule I

Federal law lists marijuana, and tetrahydrocannabinols, in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 812). Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use in federal law and a high potential for abuse. Nothing in a state medical program changes that listing.

Some cannabis medicines are scheduled lower

FDA-approved products sit in different schedules: dronabinol is in Schedule III, and the CBD medicine Epidiolex was moved to Schedule V. That is about those specific approved medicines, not about flower, oils or edibles bought under a state program.

A state card is invisible to federal law

Federal agencies do not recognise state medical authorisation. Crossing a state line with cannabis is a federal offence even when both states allow it, and federal land, federal buildings and airports follow federal rules.

Rescheduling is a process, not an outcome

Moving marijuana between schedules has been under federal review in recent years, including a health-agency recommendation and rulemaking at the drug enforcement agency. A proposal is not a rule, and a rule is not the same as descheduling. Check the agency's own pages for where it stands today.

Congressional protection has been temporary

In some recent appropriations cycles, Congress has barred the Justice Department from spending money to stop states implementing their own medical cannabis laws. Whether that provision is in force depends on the current appropriations act; it has never been a permanent change to the Controlled Substances Act.

Federal status reaches patients in federal roles

Veterans may discuss cannabis with their VA providers, but VA providers do not certify or prescribe it and VA benefits are not paid for it. Federal employees remain subject to federal drug-free workplace rules whatever their state allows.

Firearms are a separate federal question

Federal drug law and federal firearm law interact: cannabis use is what makes the firearm bar at 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) potentially apply. Our national resource explains that interaction, the ATF requirements, and the court decisions around it.

Cannabis Patients & Second Amendment Rights →

Federal sources

Sources last read October 27, 2026. Laws change: open the source itself before relying on it.

A summary of federal law cannot tell you how it applies to you. Where a decision turns on your record, your employment or a pending matter, consult a licensed attorney.