Marijuana—also known as marihuana or cannabis—is classified as a controlled substance under federal law, and its possession, use, and distribution is illegal. See 21 U.S.C. §812.

But many states have recently passed laws that generally legalize marijuana in some form. For example, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have enacted laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

The District of Columbia allows all citizens over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, to use and grow marijuana on private property, and to exchange marijuana between persons as long as no money, goods, or services are exchanged.

And some states that do not allow recreational use of marijuana do allow limited use of marijuana to treat symptoms of illness and other conditions—known as medical marijuana. States that allow limited use of medical marijuana include Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. The medical marijuana laws in some of these states are broader than others, with some states only allowing use of cannabis-infused products such as oils and pills. Federal law prohibits health care practitioners from writing a prescription for medical marijuana, so practitioners in medical marijuana states write a recommendation for medical marijuana.

Other states have not legalized marijuana, but have decriminalized it—meaning possession of small amounts of marijuana is not punishable by jail or prison time, but may be punished with a fine. States that have decriminalized possession of marijuana under limited circumstances include Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Marijuana laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, or in the health and safety code.

In Nebraska, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use and is classified as a controlled substance. However, Nebraska has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This means that possession of small amounts is not treated as a criminal offense that would result in jail or prison time, but rather it may be subject to a fine. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, Nebraska has not enacted laws to legalize marijuana for recreational use, nor does it have a comprehensive medical marijuana program. While some states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, federal law, under 21 U.S.C. §812, still classifies marijuana as an illegal controlled substance, creating a complex legal landscape. It's important to note that laws are subject to change, and individuals seeking to understand the current status of marijuana laws in Nebraska should consult with an attorney or review the latest state statutes.