A growing number of states have legalized cannabis — medically or recreationally, or both. But marijuana remains illegal under federal law, creating a conundrum for senior living communities and their residents.
Arizona law, for example, allows for the administration of medical marijuana and marijuana-derived medications to registered and qualified assisted living residents. Those medications require a prescription, but finding a physician willing to provide one is difficult due to fears of federal repercussions, according to the Phoenix New Times.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. As of this month, 38 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands have legalized medical marijuana to varying degrees, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
