Final answer:
The legality of obtaining or using marijuana is governed by both federal and state laws in the U.S. While federal law under the Controlled Substances Act deems it illegal, many states have legalized its use, creating a complex legal landscape with possible federal intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the legality of obtaining and using controlled substances, specifically marijuana, which is currently a complex legal issue in the United States. It's illegal under federal law to obtain or attempt to obtain marijuana according to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which identifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. However, many states have diverging laws that have legalized marijuana to varying extents for medicinal or recreational purposes.
In 2012, states like Washington and Colorado legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, heralding significant shifts in state-level policy despite federal restrictions remaining in place. Federal law continues to prohibit the transportation or importation of marijuana into any state where it is illegal under local laws. Moreover, while some federal policies indicate a reduced focus on certain marijuana-related prosecutions, the Department of Justice maintains the authority to enforce federal law, even in states where marijuana has been legalized.
Ultimately, the disconnect between federal and state laws can result in a range of legal outcomes—from non-intervention to federal criminal charges depending on one's location and the specific circumstances of marijuana possession, use, or distribution.