The United States Of America, Part Five. This is the story of how the American Republic developed from colonial beginnings in the 16th century, when the first European explorers arrived, until modern times.
Medical marijuana is now legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Of those states, Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Colorado's first retail marijuana stores opened Jan. 1 for sale to people 21 years and older. Under federal law, marijuana is still an illegal drug.
State Marijuana Laws. In November 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Currently, there are: 1  22 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes.2  16 states have decriminalized personal possession of marijuana.onflict between State Law and Federal Law. Federal law clearly conflicts with many state laws concerning marijuana. Under the Preemption Clause of the Constitution, a federal law will always trump a state law.