AP Government and Politics Federalism Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The decision in Gonzales v. Raich affirmed that federal law has supremacy over state laws when it comes to marijuana cultivation, even for medical use. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the authority to regulate marijuana under the Commerce Clause, which means that federal regulations can preempt state laws that are inconsistent with federal policies. This pivotal ruling established that states cannot enact laws that completely disregard federal regulations regarding the cultivation and distribution of marijuana.

As a result, while states may attempt to legalize and regulate marijuana, they cannot create laws that contradict federal drug policy. This has led to a complex legal landscape where state laws allowing medical or recreational marijuana use exist alongside federal laws that classify marijuana as an illegal substance. Thus, the broader impact of this ruling creates a scenario where states must navigate their marijuana legislation while considering the overarching federal law.