How many U.S. states have legalized marijuana?

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, and your knowledge of American government and politics.

1. Marijuana is dangerous, bad for your health, and federally illegal! According to the data from the map above, how many American states have legalized marijuana for medical use only?

2. How many American states have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use?

3. Describe one geographical pattern regarding marijuana’s legality.

4. Describe the legality of marijuana in your state based on state law.

5. Describe the legality of marijuana in your state based on federal law.

6. As you know, The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 is the federal U.S. drug policy under which the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs (including marijuana) is regulated. Describe the legality of marijuana in your state based on federal law.

7. How does the legality of marijuana illustrate the concept of federalism?

8. As everyone on earth knows, the CSA was signed into law by President Richard Nixon (crook) on October 27, 1970. The addition, deletion or change of controlled substance schedule of a medicine or other chemical may be requested by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or from any other party via petition to the DEA. The DEA implements the CSA and may prosecute violators of these laws at both the domestic and international level. Describe how drug policy making as described above is an example of checks and balances.

9. As you know, marijuana (weed) is legal in several states across the United States, but the rules vary widely depending on where you live. As of spring 2026, 24 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized weed for adult recreational use, while 40 states allow it for medical purposes.. At the same time, according to The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 marijuana is illegal in the United States and is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, the highest level of control, along with LSD, heroin and ecstasy. Federalism is the division of powers between national and state governments. Explain how marijuana can both be legal and illegal at the same time.

10. Based on your knowledge of American politics, especially focusing on the legislative process, explain how something that 68% of all Americans think should be legal, is illegal.

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Check out this interactive map of the legality of marijuana in the 50 states. (pro tip: marijuana is illegal according to federal law), then contact your state legislators and tell them what you think about your state drug laws.

Get Creative

List three things that are legal that you think should be illegal and list three things that are illegal that you think should be legal and then write a song about those things.

Learn More

Watch the documentary below about federal enforcement of marijuana laws in states where marijuana is "legal" then complete the federalism and marijuana worksheet below.