Marijuana Possession Enforcement Ramps Up On Federal Lands In Wyoming

The U.S. Attorney for Wyoming has announced a crackdown on people caught with marijuana on federal land, such as national parks.

According to a release from U.S. Attorney Darin Smith's office : "On September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice rescinded previous guidance concerning the prosecution of simple marijuana possession." 

Darin Smith Pledges To Rigorously Prosecute Misdemeanor Weed Charges

The release says following that change, Smith notified federal law enforcement agencies that from now on his office will "rigorously prosecute" marijuana offenses on federal land.

The release says then-President Biden pardoned U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents for simple possession of marijuana as well as misdemeanor charges such as  attempted possession or use of marijuana. Biden also told U.S. attorneys across the country not to prosecute those crimes. In the words of the release "This significantly curtailed federal prosecutions of misdemeanor marijuana offenses.''

The release quotes Smith as saying “Marijuana possession remains a federal crime in the United States, irrespective of varying state laws. The detrimental effects of drugs on our society are undeniable, and I am committed to using every prosecutorial tool available to hold offenders accountable.”

The release pertains specifically to federal land, not other areas. Marijuana, including medical marijuana, is still illegal under Wyoming law. It is legal in the neighboring states of Colorado and Montana.