Drug Law - Summer 2025
Cannabis and Psychedelics
In recent decades, cannabis and psychedelic laws have undergone rapid transformation, with evolving policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This course will expose students to these legal and policy changes with a focus on Rhode Island and neighboring states. Despite these changes at the local and state levels, cannabis and psychedelics both remain classified as Schedule I under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This federal illegality creates significant challenges for state-licensed businesses, particularly in banking, taxation, and interstate commerce. Students will engage with key legal frameworks, including state regulations, federal agency oversight (FDA, DEA, USDA), and constitutional law issues. They will also explore how drug laws intersect with various legal fields, such as employment, criminal justice, property rights, taxation, religious freedom, intellectual property, and family law. This course offers a unique opportunity to compare and contrast cannabis and psychedelic law, drawing lessons from both industries and exploring how legal reforms can balance public health, economic growth, and individual rights.