# Regulation of Cannabis Use

The legal framework surrounding the use of cannabis, including its cultivation, distribution, and consumption, differs significantly from country to country. Two primary regulatory models exemplify how nations approach cannabis legislation: the model under the "Controlled Substances Act" primarily found in the United States, and the "Narcotics Control Act" model, which can be observed in countries like South Korea.

## Controlled Substances Act (CSA) - United States

### Overview
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a statute enacted in 1970 that defines the legal framework for regulating drugs and other substances in the United States. It categorizes drugs into five distinct "schedules" based on their potential for abuse, medical value, and safety data. Cannabis has been classified under Schedule I, which includes substances with a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision.

### Federal and State Laws
While the CSA provides a federal framework, cannabis laws vary considerably among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. This disparity often causes confusion and conflict, as state laws can significantly diverge from federal regulations. For example, as of the early 2020s, numerous states have legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use, despite it remaining illegal under federal law. This has led to a complex legal landscape where activities that are lawful under state law can still violate federal law.

### Enforcement
The enforcement of cannabis laws under the CSA is primarily handled by federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, local and state law enforcement agencies also play critical roles in jurisdictions where cannabis remains illegal under state law or where state regulations require enforcement support.

## Narcotics Control Act - Example: South Korea

### Overview
The Narcotics Control Act is a legislative framework used by some countries, such as South Korea, to regulate drugs, including cannabis. This act comprehensively addresses the categories of controlled substances, enforcement policies, penalties, and guidelines for medicinal use.

### Article 51
In the context of the Narcotics Control Act, specific provisions such as Article 51 focus exclusively on the regulation of cannabis. This article delineates the legal boundaries within which individuals can cultivate, possess, sell, or use cannabis. Typically, such regulations are stringent, reflecting the country's conservative stance on narcotics. Under South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, cannabis is highly restricted, and violations related to its use or distribution entail severe penalties.

### Enforcement and Penalties
Enforcement of Article 51 and related provisions is rigorous, with substantial resources allocated to prevent illegal drug trafficking and use. Penalties for violations can include heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences, aimed at deterring cannabis use and maintaining public health and safety.

## Comparison and Global Perspective
While both the Controlled Substances Act and the Narcotics Control Act seek to regulate the use and distribution of cannabis, their approaches reflect broader cultural, social, and political attitudes toward drugs. The U.S. system allows for a degree of flexibility and local variation, which can be seen in the state-by-state legalization movements. In contrast, the single, unified approach under South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act demonstrates a more centralized and uniformly stringent regulatory environment.

As global attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve, countries might modify their existing laws or adopt new regulations that better reflect contemporary views on drug use, medical value, and individual freedoms. Each country’s legal framework around cannabis thus serves as a dynamic narrative of its cultural and legal evolution.