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Federal implications

Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, where it’s still classified as a controlled substance. This difference between Colorado and federal laws can lead to challenges in knowing how and where the different laws apply. Consult with legal advisers to be sure you fully understand how federal and state laws may affect you. 

What this could mean to you

  • Federal jobs
    • Federal employees are not allowed to use cannabis. If you already have or hope to apply for a federal job, you may want to avoid cannabis use.
  • Immigration:
    • Working in the cannabis industry can impact the immigration status of green card holders. 
    • Some green card holders have lost their ability to live and work in the United States as a result of working in the cannabis industry.

Student financial aid

  • You could lose federal financial aid opportunities for any cannabis use or possession charges. This is especially important for underage youth.
    • Federal financial aid includes Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, PLUS Loans, and Work-Study programs.
    • Section 484 subsection R of the Higher Education Act of 1998 states that a student with a past conviction of any controlled substance offense (which still includes cannabis) isn’t eligible for any of the above federal financial aid.

Firearms

  • If you apply to purchase a firearm, you must complete Federal Form 4473, which asks about unlawful cannabis use.

    • Since cannabis is still illegal federally, cannabis consumers may be rejected from purchasing a firearm.
    • Lying on this form is a federal felony with a maximum prison sentence of five years.

    Housing

    • If you live in federally subsidized housing, any cannabis use or possession charges may mean that you lose your federal housing benefits.

      Federal land

      • Cannabis is still illegal on federal land, including national parks, ski slopes, and military bases.

      Federally funded property

      • Places that receive a significant amount of federal funding must adhere to the federal Drug-Free Workplaces Act of 1988, which bans the use of cannabis on those properties.

      Working together

      • The federal government requested that Colorado and any state that legalizes cannabis work together to prevent:

        • Distribution of cannabis to minors.
        • Transporting cannabis from states where it’s legal to other states.
        • Drugged driving and the exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences.
        • Growing cannabis on public lands.
        • Cannabis possession or use on federal property. 
        • Other criminal activity or violence associated with the sale of cannabis.

        Many state agencies are working together on these efforts. You can help, too, by learning about and following Colorado’s cannabis laws.