History Of Cannabis

Marijuana has a long history in the United States. It was brought by Christopher Columbus on his first journey to America in 1492 and introduced to Native Americans. U.S. farmers, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, have been growing hemp since the colonial era. But before the Great Depression, marijuana wasn't seen as a drug. Its recreational use was popular in South America and parts of the U.S.

However, it gained a negative reputation in the early 20th century, especially due to its association with Mexican immigrants. States began banning it, leading to decades of struggle. Yet, in 2020, there are growing federal legalization and reform efforts, marking a significant shift in marijuana's legal status.

Marijuana Tax Stamp

The Marijuana Tax Stamp Act made it necessary for people who wanted to sell cannabis to pay a tax and get a license. But it was really hard to do that because the law was set up that way. Selling pot without a license was seen as not paying taxes and could lead to a long time in jail.

Even before the national law in 1937, many states had already banned marijuana on their own. The first state to do this was Massachusetts in 1911. By the time the national law came, marijuana was already illegal everywhere in the U.S., both by national and state laws.

1937: Federal Bureau of Narcotics bans cannabis

In the 1930s, a man named Harry J. Anslinger led the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He later became the DEA from 1930 to 1962 and held this position longer than any other federal anti-drug chief. He convinced Congress to outlaw cannabis with the Marihuana Tax Stamp Act of 1937. This law made it illegal to grow, sell, or have cannabis. Anslinger's efforts quickly criminalized many people who used or grew cannabis.

1940s: The government encourages farmers to grow hemp

During the 1940s, the government urged farmers to grow hemp to support the war effort. Despite this, the government later denied this action until a lost videotape was found by pro-reform celebrities. In 1969, there was hope for legal change when the Supreme Court rejected the Tax Stamp Act, ruling it unconstitutional for making people incriminate themselves when requesting a tax stamp.

1970: The Controlled Substances Act is introduced

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act became law after Congress and President Richard Nixon took action following the U.S. Supreme Court overturning a drug conviction due to the Tax Stamp Act's unconstitutionality in 1969.

This Act labeled marijuana as one of the most dangerous substances globally and placed it in Schedule 1, along with ecstasy and heroin. It categorized controlled substances based on their perceived danger, addiction potential, and medical usefulness, setting strict regulations for nearly 30 years.

1996: California launches first Medical Marijuana Program

In 1996, California became the pioneer in launching the world's first Medical Marijuana Law, with voters supporting the initiative. Despite this progress, federal authorities, such as the DEA and prosecutors, persisted in arresting and imprisoning individuals involved in marijuana despite their compliance with state laws. This contrast between state and federal stances intensified as public support for marijuana legalization grew, reaching over 50 percent.

2000: More states follow California’s lead

Following California's pioneering move in 1996, several other states swiftly followed suit in legalizing medical marijuana. Between 1996 and 2000, states like Alaska, the District of Columbia, Maine, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Nevada enacted their own laws and initiatives, reflecting the will of their respective voters. Over the next decade, additional states, including Montana, Vermont, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Michigan, New Jersey, and Arizona, joined this trend.

2009: The Obama administration issues memo

In 2009, the Obama administration sent a clear message to federal prosecutors, advising them against pursuing legal action against individuals involved in the distribution of medical marijuana, provided they were operating within the boundaries of their state's laws.

2012: The first U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana use

In November 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults. Colorado's Amendment 64 passed with 55 percent support, allowing individuals to purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis. Residents can also grow up to four plants at home. The law includes regulations and sales taxes to govern the legal marijuana industry, marking a significant shift in cannabis policy in the United States.

2014: Uruguay legalizes recreational use nationwide

In 2014, Uruguay made history by becoming the first country to legalize cannabis use nationwide. President Jose Mujica signed legislation permitting adults aged 18 and older to grow, possess, and consume cannabis. Additionally, the law established a state-controlled marijuana dispensary system, providing regulated access to the drug for those who wished to use it for recreational purposes.

2018: Canada legalizes recreational use nationwide

In October 2018, Canada made history by legalizing recreational cannabis nationwide, becoming the second country in the world to do so.

2019: The SAFE Act passes in the House, stalls in the Senate

In 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Act, aiming to safeguard financial institutions serving cannabis-related businesses in legalized states. However, progress halted as the bill stalled in the U.S. Senate. This left uncertainty regarding banking services for companies operating within the legalized marijuana industry.

2020: The House passes the MORE Act

In December 2020, Congress approved the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act with a vote of 228-164. This significant legislation provides retroactive changes to the Control Substances Act, addressing past convictions and offenses related to marijuana.

The Future of Marijuana

The future of marijuana looks promising as momentum for reform grows stronger. Public support is increasing, with more officials openly backing policy changes. Access to legal and safe cannabis is expanding, indicating a significant shift in attitudes. With these trends, it's clear that legal marijuana is not just a passing trend but a permanent part of our society.