A Brief History of Legalization:

History of Cannabis Legalization in the United States

A Brief History of Legalization in the United States is a complex history; marked by changing societal attitudes, medical discoveries, and shifting political landscapes. Here’s an overview of the key milestones in the history of cannabis legalization in the U.S.:

Early History

• 1600s-1800s
  • Colonial America: Cannabis, particularly hemp, was widely grown and used for various purposes, including rope, textiles, and medicinal preparations. Hemp cultivation was even encouraged by the government.

Early 20th Century: The Path to Prohibition

• 1910s-1920s
  • Mexican Immigration and Racism: Cannabis (often referred to as “marihuana” during this period) became associated with Mexican immigrants, leading to increasing anti-cannabis sentiment fueled by racism and xenophobia.
  • Local Bans: By the 1920s, several states had enacted laws banning cannabis.
• 1930s
  • Federal Prohibition: The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act effectively criminalized cannabis nationwide by imposing heavy taxes and regulatory requirements.
  • Reefer Madness: Propaganda films like “Reefer Madness” spread misinformation and fear about cannabis use.

Mid to Late 20th Century: The War on Drugs

• 1970s
  • Controlled Substances Act of 1970: Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
  • Decriminalization Movements: Some states began to decriminalize cannabis possession (e.g., Oregon in 1973), reducing penalties for small amounts.
  • NORML and Advocacy: The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) was founded in 1970, advocating for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis.
• 1980s
  • Reagan Administration: The War on Drugs intensified under President Ronald Reagan, leading to stricter laws and harsher penalties for drug offenses, including cannabis.
  • Anti-Drug Campaigns: Public anti-drug campaigns, such as “Just Say No,” further stigmatized cannabis use.

Late 20th Century: The Medical Cannabis Movement

• 1990s
  • California’s Proposition 215 (1996): California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the passage of Prop 215, allowing patients with a doctor’s recommendation to use cannabis for medical purposes.
  • Other States Follow: By the end of the 1990s, other states like Oregon, Washington, and Alaska had also legalized medical cannabis.

21st Century: The Era of Legalization

• 2000s
  • Medical Cannabis Expansion: More states continued to pass medical cannabis laws. By 2010, 14 states had legalized medical cannabis.
  • Federal Response: Despite state laws, cannabis remained illegal federally, leading to conflicts between state and federal authorities.
• 2010s
  • Recreational Legalization Begins:
    • Colorado and Washington (2012): These states became the first to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.
    • Rapid Expansion: Following Colorado and Washington, other states including Oregon, Alaska, California, and Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis.
  • Medical Cannabis: By 2019, over 30 states had legalized medical cannabis.
• 2020s
  • Continued Legalization: More states continued to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis. As of 2024, 38 states have legalized medical cannabis, and 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis.
  • Federal Developments:
    • MORE Act: The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, aimed at decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level and addressing the harms of prohibition, was introduced and passed in the House of Representatives but faced challenges in the Senate.
    • State-Level Changes: States continued to refine and expand their cannabis laws, with increasing support for legalization among the public. This was A Brief History of Legalization, there is more to the story.