Feds Say ‘No Weed’ on Wyoming’s Parks and Public Lands, Crackdown Begins

The original story by Doug Randall for KGAB AM 650.

If you’re heading into Yellowstone, Devils Tower, or any other federal land in Wyoming with weed in your pocket, federal prosecutors want you to know: they’re done looking the other way.

US Attorney for Wyoming Darin Smith has announced that his office will “rigorously prosecute” marijuana offenses on federal property, even for simple possession.

According to a statement from Smith’s office, the shift traces back to September 29, 2025, when the US Department of Justice rescinded earlier guidance that had told federal prosecutors to back off simple marijuana possession cases.

Under President Biden, the White House:

• Issued pardons for US citizens and lawful permanent residents convicted of simple marijuana possession in federal court.
• Urged US attorneys not to pursue minor marijuana cases like simple possession or attempted possession.

Smith’s office says that move “significantly curtailed federal prosecutions of misdemeanor marijuana offenses.” Now, that era is over — at least in Wyoming’s federal jurisdictions.

After DOJ pulled the old guidance, Smith says he formally notified federal law enforcement agencies (think Park Rangers, BLM officers, and other federal cops) that his office will once again fully enforce federal marijuana laws on federal land.

In his words:

“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.”

Translation: if you’re caught with weed on federal land in Wyoming, don’t count on getting a warning.

This crackdown is specifically about federal land, which includes:

• National parks (like Yellowstone and Grand Teton)
• National monuments (like Devils Tower)
• Certain federal recreation areas, forests, and other US government property

It does not change anything about enforcement in Wyoming’s cities, towns, or private land — that’s still handled under state law.

But it’s worth remembering:

• Marijuana (including medical marijuana) is illegal under Wyoming state law
• Weed is legal in neighboring Colorado and Montana, which can trip up visitors who assume that what’s fine in Bozeman or Fort Collins will fly in Yellowstone. It won’t.

For years, lots of tourists have driven into Wyoming from legal states with marijuana in the car, sometimes without thinking twice. Some locals have also assumed that minor weed possession wasn’t much of a federal priority.

Smith’s message is meant to change that assumption.

If you’re:

• Camping in a national park
• Hiking on federal trails
• Staying in federally managed campgrounds
• Or just passing through federal land with weed in your vehicle

…you’re now squarely on the radar for federal misdemeanor charges if you’re caught with marijuana.

Federal law still makes marijuana illegal, no matter what Colorado or Montana say. The US Attorney for Wyoming is promising to fully enforce those laws on federal land in the state. If you’re crossing into Wyoming from a legal state and heading to a national park or other federal area, leaving your weed at home is now more important than ever.