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Court Says Congress May Regulate Local Drug Sales

2005

In Gonzales v. Raich, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that drug regulation, even within individual states, is within congressional authority. Angel Raich was prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor, made legal under California’s Compassionate Use Act of 1996, but her home was raided by the FDA under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Raich files suit to enjoin enforcement of the federal law on the grounds that medicinal marijuana purchased in California for use only in California exceeds Congress’ commerce clause authority. The Court finds that it is within congressional authority to regulate local drug sale and use.