Very clear, explicit laws on drug abuse exist at the federal, state and local levels in the United States. In this section, the DEA will share information on the specific legal implications for drug abuse charges. Your child has a bright future ahead, and the DEA wants to help you ensure it stays that way. Read more about the legal consequences of drug abuse:

• Legal Consequences of Drug Use - Criminal convictions are recorded for some offenses, and these records can affect your child’s life in many ways.
• Related Behavior With Legal Implications - Drug use can lead to behavior that is harmful and get a person in trouble with the law.

• Jurisdictions, Charges and Penalties - Governments at every level have laws to regulate drugs. Congress has given the Drug Enforcement Administration the responsibility of enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Federal Controlled Substances Act (Title 21 Chapter 13 of the United States Code:  Drug Abuse Prevention and Control)
  • 1998 Amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 as amended (PL 105-244, Title IV, Part G, Section 483(f), Suspension of Eligibility for Drug Related Offenses)
  • State Drug Laws - Each state has varying laws and penalties covering possession, consumption, and a variety of drug use-related activities.
  • Local Laws - Find out more about how counties, municipalities, cities, and other local entities define drug laws.