Target Audience: Researchers interested in gaining an understanding of the complicated and controversial laws governing medical marijuana
Learning outcomes:
1) Participants will be able to identify sources of law governing the access to and growth of medical marijuana.
2) Participants will be able to help their patrons weed through the legal issues surrounding medical marijuana.
The legalities of medical marijuana is a fascinating example of state and federal laws at war. Although 15 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, the drug remains a banned substance under federal law, raising issues of Congress's pre-emption authority under the Supremacy clause. To further befuddle researchers, state laws often involve a complicated quagmire of referenda, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and judicial opinions. This program delves into the conflict between the federal government’s enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, and state and local laws underscoring the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. The speakers will also address practical concerns surrounding lawful access to medical marijuana. Whether the medicinal use of marijuana is ultimately slated for eradication, or achieves legalization, this presentation will challenge you to take a fresh look at this complex and rapidly changing area of law.