This paper is to discuss the policies concerning the various states which are opposed to legalization and the states which have passed recreational and medical marijuana policies. Discuss how the Federal government Despite medical cannabis laws in 40 states, cannabis is still illegal under federal law. The federal government regulates drugs through the.Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. § 811), which does not recognize the difference between medical and recreational use of cannabis. Discuss the policy under federal law.