Exploring California's pioneering efforts in cannabis legislation, this overview delves into the state's historical legalization milestones and the resulting federal conflicts. It examines the landmark Supreme Court case Gonzales v. Raich, which addressed the clash between state-permitted medical marijuana use and federal law, ultimately reinforcing federal authority over state laws in drug policy.
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California was the first state to enact a prohibition on marijuana in 1913
Compassionate Use Act
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana through the Compassionate Use Act
The legalization of medical marijuana in California brought the state into conflict with the federal government's Controlled Substances Act
The tension between state sovereignty and federal authority was highlighted in a series of legal confrontations
Background of the Case
Angel McClary Raich and Diane Monson, California residents, were at the center of a legal dispute over the use of medical marijuana
Constitutional Issues
The Supreme Court had to consider whether Congress had the authority to regulate the intrastate cultivation and use of medical marijuana
Ruling and Implications
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the federal government, affirming their power to regulate even localized use of marijuana under the commerce clause
The outcome of Gonzales v. Raich underscored the supremacy of federal law over state legislation in matters concerning interstate commerce
The case highlighted the preeminence of federal law in instances where it conflicts with state law
Gonzales v. Raich remains a pivotal case in ongoing debates about the boundaries of state authority and the scope of federal power in drug policy and regulation
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