Now that it’s lawful in many states, you may be wondering about whether you must allow use of medical marijuana at your community.
You’re not alone—it’s a confusing area with conflicting laws, evolving regulatory systems, and little definitive guidance on how to handle medical marijuana in conventional multifamily housing communities.
One thing’s for certain—marijuana is still an illegal drug under federal law. Until—and unless— Congress changes the law, it’s a federal criminal offense to possess, manufacture, or distribute marijuana.
This article focuses on your obligations under fair housing law. Among other things, fair housing laws, both federal and state, require communities to consider reasonable accommodation requests for exceptions to rules and policies as needed by individuals with disabilities.