Final answer:
The mailing of controlled substances is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act, and while it is allowed under specific conditions for medical purposes, mailing marijuana is generally prohibited by federal law, even in states where medical or recreational use is legal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Controlled substances may be mailed to patients under certain strict conditions. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regulates the mailing of controlled substances. However, the U.S. government does make some allowances for the distribution of these substances, particularly for medical purposes. For instance, as long as federal regulations and guidelines are followed, pharmacies and medical practitioners can mail prescription medications, which may include controlled substances, directly to patients. These regulations include conducting an acceptable risk assessment of the drug and ensuring that it is prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a legitimate medical purpose.
Medical marijuana is legal in over half of the United States for the treatment of specific health conditions and may be prescribed to reduce the side effects of certain treatments like chemotherapy. However, under the CSA, marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 substance and its federal status complicates the legality of its mailing. The federal government has sometimes not intervened in state-level decisions; still, federal law does not authorize any non-medical use, possession, or shipping of marijuana.