# data[].attributes.headline
1906: Pure Food and Drug Act requires cannabis labeling.

# data[].attributes.subject
1906: Pure Food and Drug Act requires cannabis labeling.

# data[].attributes.body
The Pure Food and Drug Act was the first federal law that would regulate food and medicine. Companies were required to label dangerous products like drugs in the ingredients. The sale of food and drugs that weren't pure was prohibited. At this time, product safety testing wasn't required yet. This law helped incite governments to be more proactive and be more strict on what products are available on the market.

# data[].attributes.headline
1910s-1920s: Anti-cannabis sentiment grows with Mexican immigration.

# data[].attributes.subject
1910s-1920s: Anti-cannabis sentiment grows with Mexican immigration.

# data[].attributes.body
Many Mexican immigrants entered the US to work, and they brought marijuana with them. Some of the jobs included mining, railroad work, agricultural labor, domestic and service work, construction, and infrastructure. The heavy presence of Mexicans led to xenophobia and anti-cannabis sentiments. Since Mexicans called it "marihuana" and not "cannabis" it sounded foreign and threatening to Americans.

# data[].attributes.headline
1930s: Cannabis linked to anti-Mexican rhetoric.

# data[].attributes.subject
1930s: Cannabis linked to anti-Mexican rhetoric.

# data[].attributes.body
The term "marihuana" was linked with Mexicans, where media would refer to the Mexican users as violent or criminals. Harry Anslinger, who was anti-cannabis made racist remarks that targeted Mexicans, jazz musicians, and Black Americans. Anslinger said marijuana use caused interracial relationships, violence, insanity, and moral decay.

# data[].attributes.headline
1936: Reefer Madness promotes anti-cannabis panic. 

# data[].attributes.subject
1936: Reefer Madness promotes anti-cannabis panic. 

# data[].attributes.body
"Reefer Madness" was a film that portrayed marijuana as being evil. Originally, it was meant to show parents the danger of marijuana so they would teach their kids to avoid it. Some of the consequences the film portrayed included insanity, suicide, violence, delinquency, and instant addiction. This early 20th century film was a big instance of misinformation and fear mongering.

# data[].attributes.body
In 1937, the United States passed the Marijuana Tax Act, becoming the first federal law to criminalize marijuana. Although it didn't directly outlaw the substance, it imposed heavy regulations and taxes that made its use and sale nearly impossible. This act marked the beginning of a long history of federal restrictions on marijuana, fueled by fear-based messaging and political pressure. The 1937 law laid the groundwork for future drug policies that would continue to criminalize cannabis across the country.

# data[].attributes.body
In the 1950s, the US saw a shift towards stricter laws regarding marijuana, with federal legislation enacting mandatory sentences for drug offenses, including marijuana. The Boggs Act (1952) and the Narcotics Control Act (1956) were key pieces of legislation that established mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana possession, with a first offense potentially carrying a sentence of 2-10 years and a $20,000 fine.

# data[].attributes.headline
1969: Low Public Support for Legalization

# data[].attributes.subject
1969: Low Public Support for Legalization

# data[].attributes.body
By 1969, public support for marijuana legalization remained extremely limited, with only 12% of Americans in favor according to a Gallup poll. This low percentage reflected decades of negative media portrayals, government propaganda, and growing fears around drug use. At the time, marijuana was widely viewed as a dangerous and socially harmful substance, and legalization was far from being part of the mainstream conversation.

# data[].attributes.headline
1970: Controlled Substances Act lists marijuana as Schedule 1

# data[].attributes.subject
1970: Controlled Substances Act lists marijuana as Schedule 1

# data[].attributes.body
In 1970, using the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana was classified as a Schedule 1 drug.

This means that marijuana was put in the category of having potential for drug abuse, not being accepted in the aspect of medical use because it's seen as not having benefits medically, and it's not considered a safe drug even when medically supervised.

Other Schedule 1 Drugs: LSD (acid), Heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), and more.

Marijuana was illegal under the CSA, meaning no one was allowed to use it recreationally or medically. Doctors couldn't give prescriptions, even if it would benefit their patients medically.

Who did this affect? :

Patients: This affected patients that could benefit medically from the drug, they were not allowed to use it.

Researchers: They had a harder time researching marijuana because of its restrictions with this act, making it difficult to discover the benefits for medical use.

Marginalized communities: The black and brown communities were overly surveillance, as well as more likely to be searched and charged for small amounts of procession.

If arrested, there were heavy consequences for marginalized communities like prison time, loss of child custody, people who weren't citizens were deported, and more. Those with low income were targeted the most, while the rich and powerful had lawyers to help them avoid punishment.

The media:

During this time much misinformation, fear, and political influence was shown through the media and headlines in magazines. Racial biased, black and brown communities were shown as the face of the drug use of marijuana, displaying them as dangerous and criminal because of their supposed usage of drugs.

Political side:

President Richard Nixon, used drugs and marijuana as a way to get more conservative voters with his Law and Order Campaign. The campaign used the drug, marijuana, as a way to instill fear through the media coverage previously mentioned.

The media coverage made it seem like marginalized communities of black and brown people were into heavy and dangerous drug use of marijuana by President Nixon's campaign, he used this belief in order to get Conservatives to vote for him by getting this drug that was shown in media as majorly used drug of the marginalized communities in order to make it an illegal drug to appeal to Conservative white voters, even though it created a long-lasting social and legal stigma around people of color and drug use, blocked medical research for years showing that marijuana can help patients.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OAH | Back to the Future: Can Trump Win with Law and Order Like Nixon in 1968?

# data[].attributes.headline
1970:  Schedule 1 status creates federal/state legal conflict

# data[].attributes.subject
1970:  Schedule 1 status creates federal/state legal conflict

# data[].attributes.body
In 1970, the controlled substance act (CSA), classified marijuana as in schedule 1 drug. Meaning that marijuana is illegal under federal law, making it so no one can use, grow, sell, or even prescribe medical use of marijuana not. Marijuana, illegal under federal law but legal under state law.

State law allows for medical use for patients, even allowing in some states for recreational use.

Prop 215 (1996):

This prop legalized marijuana under medical purposes in California. This created conflict with federal law, since state law was able to work around federal law and defy the federal drug policy that was created.

Reactions:

Medically: Patients like those with AIDS, cancer, and even chronic pain were allowed to use marijuana to aid their medical symptoms while being protected under state law for their use of the drug.

Federal Government: The Clinton administration was vocal in their stance on being opposed to the legalization of marijuana with prop 215. Clinton was firm on his drug policy stance, in order for the administration to fight the War on Drugs.

There was legal direct conflict between federal and state law, in the form of DEA raids and threats, federal law supremacy meaning in The Constitution, federal law is considered above state law.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This Day in Cannabis History: Prop 215 is Passed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Found on Google from worldofcannabis.museum

# data[].attributes.body
In 1971, President Richard Nixon officially declared a “War on Drugs,” calling drug abuse “public enemy number one.” His administration increased federal funding for drug enforcement and established new agencies to combat drug use. This declaration marked a major turning point in U.S. drug policy, with marijuana becoming one of the central targets. Nixon’s approach focused heavily on criminalization and punishment, setting the stage for mass incarceration in the years that followed.

# data[].attributes.body
The war initiated in the 1980s represented a complex and controversial chapter in American history marked by various pivotal events and shifting societal perceptions. During this period, the U.S. was deeply engaged in international conflicts that reshaped its political landscape and foreign affairs. One of the key elements was the Cold War backdrop, where the U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism. This led to significant military and financial support for various factions and government that aligned with American interests. In 1980's the war interplay between global ambitions and domestic realities, shaping not only policies but also the cultural fabric of the nation.

# data[].attributes.headline
1982: Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No" Campaign

# data[].attributes.subject
1982: Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No" Campaign

# data[].attributes.body
The "Just Say No" campaign was an anti-drug effort led by First Lady Nancy Reagan. The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs to children. Nancy Reagan was focused on changing the mindset of the youth to avoid peer pressure and decline drugs, which is where the slogan, "Just Say No," originated. She visited schools around the country to spread awareness.

Meghan. (2025, February 5). “Just say no” And the D.A.R.E program | FHE Health. FHE Health. https://fherehab.com/learning/just-say-no-dare

# data[].attributes.headline
1980s: “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” PSA

# data[].attributes.subject
1980s: “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” PSA

# data[].attributes.body
In the 1980s, the U.S. launched a wave of anti-drug public service announcements, with one of the most memorable being the “This is your brain on drugs” campaign. The PSA featured a frying egg as a dramatic metaphor for the effects of drug use on the brain. It became a defining image of the era’s aggressive approach to drug prevention. While aimed at discouraging drug use, the campaign also contributed to the stigma surrounding marijuana and reinforced the punitive messaging of the War on Drugs.

# data[].attributes.body
The Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1986 introduced mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses, drastically altering the landscape of drug enforcement.

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 Mandated minimum sentences for drug-related offenses. This significantly changed how drugs were enforces. This legislation significantly altered the criminal justice landscape, establishing strict penalties that aimed to deter drug-related activities but also led to discussion on fairness and effectiveness in law enforcement.

# data[].attributes.headline
1988: George H.W. Bush continues War on Drugs 

# data[].attributes.subject
1988: George H.W. Bush continues War on Drugs 

# data[].attributes.body
In 1988, George H. W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan were nominated for president and advocated for the War on Drugs. Bush played a significant role when shaping drug policy in the 80s. The campaign focused on how drugs usage was a major threat that connected to violence. Bush supported a mandatory minimum sentencing laws for drug offenses and increased more law enforcement and the prison system. The war on drugs was heavily targeted at communities of color, having mass incarcerations, and failing to address the actual causes of drug addictions.

# data[].attributes.headline
1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act 

# data[].attributes.subject
1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act 

# data[].attributes.body
President Bill Clinton reshaped the U.S. immigration policy. Immigrants were convicted of drug offenses, even for non violent crimes or minor crimes. Non-citizens were being deported with being unable to see a judge for "aggravated felony" for the possession of marijuana. Immigrants that had earlier minor drug offenses were faced with deportation even if their time has already been served. Immigrants that were convicted of a drug offence had mandatory detention which were hold their for months or years without a bond hearing.

# data[].attributes.body
In 1996, California made history by becoming the first U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana through the passage of Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act. approved by 55.6% of voters, the initiative allowed patients and their designated caregivers to legally possess and cultivate marijuana for medical purposes with a physician's recommendation. The law provided legal protections for both patients and doctors, ensuring that physicians could recommend marijuana without fear of punishment. It listed specific conditions for treatment, such as cancer, chronic pain, and others, where marijuana could offer relief. Proposition 215 marked a major shift in the drug policy and inspired similar laws in other states.

# data[].attributes.headline
2000 & 2010: Black Americans and Police Discrimination 

# data[].attributes.subject
2000 & 2010: Black Americans and Police Discrimination 

# data[].attributes.body
Between 2000 and 2010, Black American were 3.7 times more likely to be arrested than white Americans, accused of drug offenses lingering effects of the War on Drugs. Police were discriminating black communities by targeting them in their own communities. In New York led to large arrests for minor drug possession which were often targeted at young black men. The law enforcement focused more on street level drug offenses over serious drug crimes that only affected communities of color.

# data[].attributes.headline
2009: Obama Administration Depreotides Enforcement in Legal States  

# data[].attributes.subject
2009: Obama Administration Depreotides Enforcement in Legal States  

# data[].attributes.body
In 2009, Obama administration took federal enforcement of marijuana laws in states that had legalized medical marijuana known as the Ogden Memo. The Ogden Memo is seen as a green light in states to implement medical marijuana. Which was aim to help patients and caregivers and instead of focusing on drug crime. States like California and Colorado had legalized medical marijuana but remained illegal under federal law (Schedule 1).

# data[].attributes.body
In 2010, California sought to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over with Proposition 19. Although it failed to pass, it sparked national debate and received strong support from liberal and civil rights groups. Supporters highlighted potential tax revenue and reductions in racially biased arrests. The California Democratic Party, NAACP, and LULAC were among its key backers.

# data[].attributes.headline
 2010s-2020s: Media normalizes medical and recreational use

# data[].attributes.subject
 2010s-2020s: Media normalizes medical and recreational use

# data[].attributes.body
During these years, marijuana has become more normalized for recreational use alongside the medical use. The media has shown this in magazines, movies, shows, celebrities, and more. These pieces of media display marijuana in a positive light, unlike the negative light it used to be shown as. It's now shown as being promoted as a social activity.

Marijuana in Media

Show: (2019) Cooked with Cannabis, this show competes by making dishes that will make the hosts high.

Social Media: 2020s TikTok and YouTube videos titled "Smoke with me", "Gardening Sessions", "Gardening snack haul", "Gardening hauls" and even hashtags of "GardenTok". Even recipes for CBD desserts, Tips, and even reviews.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Celebrities are putting a new face on the cannabis craze.

Over the past few years, Travis Barker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bella Thorne, Whitney Port and others have been betting big on the green rush launching their own brands or fronting and investing in companies. The result: a landscape that resembles the beauty and fashion spaces with celeb ambassadors holding the cards. But why now?

"The number-one reason why is [the] completely changed legal landscape," said Stacy Jones, founder and chief executive officer of Hollywood Branded, a Los Angeles-based creative agency focused on branding pop culture.

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in 24 states and D.C., though the landscape is rapidly changing.

"The stigma around cannabis is now just so much lower, and it's opening up entirely new markets for celebrities to say, 'Oh, look, here is another way that I might actually be able to leverage my brand,'" Jones continued.

The cannabis industry is challenging, however, given that it's still illegal at the federal level, there are ever-changing regulations, high licensing and operational fees and the competition of illegal business with lower prices.

While there seems to be stand-alone dispensaries opening on every corner and new brands popping up all the time, some of the biggest names have struggled. MedMen, one of the most visible retail operations, present in several states with its Apple store-like interiors and merchandise line, has shuttered all but two of its stores, and its stock received a cease-trade order, plunging from a $3 billion valuation.

Even so, demographic trends - chiefly Gen Z and Alpha ditching alcohol for alternative mood enhancers - bode well for the future of the budding business (especially if those younger generations could force movement on changing the status of cannabis at the federal level).

In New York, cannabis sales were expected to exceed $150 million in 2023, according to the Office of Cannabis Management.

"You're seeing tremendous market growth within different cannabis brands right now," Jones said.

With this, many celebs are also launching their own brands, and not just OG stoners like Willie Nelson and Cheech and Chong, who have long been in the space.

In February, Travis Barker launched Barker Canna Co., which has edibles, pre-rolls and vapes. Wiz Khalifa has Khalifa Kush, and Bella Thorne's Forbidden Flowers sells an assortment of strains for different vibes. Following in the footsteps of her bestie Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart has shown her passion for the plant through her line of CBD-infused wellness gummies. Seemingly synonymous with weed, Seth Rogen has his own brand Houseplant, which sells smoking accessories and home goods.

Others are tapping into the category by aligning with pre-existing brands. For example, former "The Hills" star Whitney Port recently joined microdosable edible brand The High Confectionary as its creative director.

"During COVID-19 I started to dabble in cannabis," Port said, adding that she began sharing her experience on social media. "We're all looking for healthy ways to relax....A lot of people following were curious about it, had a lot of questions about how much I was taking, what kind I was taking, what was I taking it for. I was noticing how curious women were about this."

According to Jones, women are a key target for these types of microdosable brands that act as alcohol replacements. As part of The High Confectionary, Port's goal is to reach this market of women and demystify cannabis.

"I'm trying to [build] community and educate with my own social while also helping build up the company in terms of finding other strategic partners and investors, thinking of creative collaborations," Port said.

Similarly, rolling paper company OCB recently tapped Rogen for his level of consumer recognition in the space to create a line of cobranded products with Houseplant.

"We were looking for somebody who could authentically represent the culture and somebody that we felt like consumers would trust," said Becky Roll, chief revenue officer of Republic Brands, which owns OCB. "He's funny, and rolling papers can be kind of boring, so this felt like a fun way to spread the word.... Seth says things like, 'It's the paper my weed deserves. It's paper so good you almost don't need weed.'"

While celebrities are looking at cannabis across the board, one trend in particular stands out: microdosing. Many experts say this can be attributed to the sober curious movement, in which more people are opting for small doses of cannabis as a replacement for drinking.

Cann, a THC-infused beverage brand, is a prime example of a microdosable format that celebrities are betting big on - in fact, the brand has more than 40 celebrities on its cap table, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Rosario Dawson.

"They cut across all different types of entertainment: sports, music, media....We took, from the beginning, an approach of we want an army," said Cann cofounder and CEO Jake Bullock. "We didn't want to be confined to one person or another."

As the brand has seen support from a slew of major celebrities, including Kate Hudson, Alison Brie and Kris Jenner, given their lifestyles it makes perfect sense why they want in on the category, Bullock explained.

"You can't be hungover if you're waking up for a 6 a.m. call time. You can't be hungover if you need to sing every night," he said. "What we found was that these early celebrities were familiar with and had some relationship with THC....They're like, 'My body is my product in my business and so it's really important that I think carefully about what I put in it.'"

Cann, amongst other brands in the category, has strategically partnered with celebrities who may not automatically seem aligned with weed, but that's exactly what the brand needs to evolve the conversation around THC and position themselves as an alcohol substitute.

"Most of the brands out there, they have already gone out and secured all the 'cannabis guy' type of celebrities," Jones said. "[Brands] have to look beyond. There's only so many 'Seths' or this or that who are aligned to the cannabis lifestyle."

Furthermore, experts say that celebrities are a helpful way to promote weed brands, as ad regulations in the space can be a difficult hurdle. Even so, celebrities can have their posts taken down, as Meta regulations continue to evolve in the space as well.

"It's kind of the wild west right now," Jones said. "It's not 'Hire a celebrity for your cannabis brand and it will become an overnight sensation.'"

Still, celebrities help break down the stigma further, per brands. Alongside all of the brand newness, a Jimmy Kimmel-produced reality series "High Hopes," about a Hollywood-based dispensary, is launching this weekend on Hulu, bringing weed into the pop culture conversation in a different way.

Experts say innovation and the increasing legalization in the category is opening up new opportunities, which will likely lead to even more celeb activity.

"Part of the evolution on this is because cannabis product lines are very innovative," she said. "You don't have to be someone who's going to be a bong-hitter...because there's now beverages, candy, edible food of all types that you can do that has cannabis in it, it's very similar to any other consumer product line."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Celebrities Putting a New Face on Cannabis Craze: Gwyneth Paltrow, Travis Barker and More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When it comes to celebrity cannabis brands, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow & Seth Rogen are launching & backing cannabis brands as legalization & innovation increases.

# data[].attributes.headline
2012: CO & WA legalize recreational cannabis

# data[].attributes.subject
2012: CO & WA legalize recreational cannabis

# data[].attributes.body
In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the one of the first U.S. states to legalize recreational marijuana through the passage of Colorado’s Amendment 64 and Washington's Initiative 502. These laws allowed adults aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana with Colorado also permitting the cultivation of up to six plants for personal use. Both states created tax and regulatory structures for the selling of marijuana, establishing a standard for future national legalization initiatives. Despite marijuana's continued illegality under federal law, the federal government decided not to get involved and let both states put their own systems in place. This historic change opened the door for a wave of cannabis legalization in other states and prompted national discussions on social justice, public health, and law enforcement.

# data[].attributes.headline
2016: CA's Prop 64 - The Adult Use of Marijuana Act

# data[].attributes.subject
2016: CA's Prop 64 - The Adult Use of Marijuana Act

# data[].attributes.body
In 2016, voters in California legalized the recreational use and cultivation of marijuana for adults 21 years of age and older. As well as reducing criminal penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Those with prior convictions were allowed to request resentencing or dismissing their conviction.

Proposition 64: The Adult Use of Marijuana Act | Judicial Branch of California. (n.d.). https://courts.ca.gov/programs-initiatives/criminal-justice-services/proposition-64-adult-use-marijuana-act#:~:text=Effective%20November%209%2C%202016%2C%20Proposition,sealing%20of%20prior%2C%20eligible%20marijuana%2D

# data[].attributes.body
In 2019, the trend of vaping cannabis continued to rise among college-age adults and teens, with both nicotine and cannabis and becoming more prevalent. Notably, past month vaping of cannabis among 12th graders nearly doubled, and vaping in general, including nicotine and cannabis, was associated with other high-risk behaviors.

# data[].attributes.body
MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act) was introduced in the U.S. Congress in July 23, 2019. It was to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing it from controlled substances act. This act is to provide social justice reforms for those individuals that were affected by "War on Drugs". This act also provides opportunities for small businesses that were harmed by previous marijuana laws. This act was approved by the congressional committee but did not pass the Senate.

# data[].attributes.headline
2020 Disparities persist even in legalized states

# data[].attributes.subject
2020 Disparities persist even in legalized states

# data[].attributes.body
Even though marijuana is legalized in certain states, people of color in these sates are being negatively affected by being arrested for possession in legalized states. Legalized states that allow for recreational use of marijuana but still arrested the black, brown, and indigenous population were : California, Colorado, Washington, Michigan, Illinois, and much more. Since there were high rates of people of color being arrested for possession and recreational use of marijuana in these legalized states, Social Equity programs were created to protect people of color because this War On Drugs impacted these communities deeply.

# data[].attributes.headline
2022: Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act 

# data[].attributes.subject
2022: Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act 

# data[].attributes.body
In 2022, Congress approved a federal bill that decriminalizes marijuana. With this act, marijuana was removed from the list of substances under the Controlled Substances Act, and penalties were removed for individuals who cultivate, sell, and carry marijuana.

H.R.3617 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): MORE Act. (2022, April 4). https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3617

# data[].attributes.body
In 2022, President Biden took executive action to pardon individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law and D.C. statutes. The pardon applied to individuals convicted under federal laws for possession of marijuana for personal use. This pardon did not include convictions for selling or distributing marijuana. It is estimated that around 6,500 individuals were convicted of simple possession between 1992 and 2021. The pardon helped remove barriers to employment, housing, and federal benefits.

Bustillo, X. (2022, October 6). Biden to pardon simple federal marijuana possession convictions. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/06/1127302410/biden-pardon-marijuana-possession-convictions

# data[].attributes.headline
2023: Several States Legalize Adult use of Cannabis

# data[].attributes.subject
2023: Several States Legalize Adult use of Cannabis

# data[].attributes.body
The year 2023 began with several state effort to legalize adult-use or medical cannabis, despite an apparently stalled federal effort to do so. A cannabis industry executive predicted that at least two states would enact adult-use reform in 2023, with the most likely states to legalize being Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 2023, there were was significant movements in marijuana legalization, both federally and the state level.

# data[].attributes.headline
2024: 38 states + D.C. allow medical use

# data[].attributes.subject
2024: 38 states + D.C. allow medical use

# data[].attributes.body
As of 2024, medical cannabis is legal in 39 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, reflecting growing public support for its therapeutic use despite ongoing federal restrictions. This includes states such as California, New York, and Florida, along with territories like Puerto Rico. The recent addition of Nebraska following the 2024 election highlights continued momentum toward legalization. While 24 states and D.C. have also legalized recreational cannabis, the substance remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, though there are active efforts to reclassify it to Schedule III, a change that could significantly ease research limitations and improve access.

# data[].attributes.headline
2024: 24 states have legal recreational cannabis

# data[].attributes.subject
2024: 24 states have legal recreational cannabis

# data[].attributes.body
By 2024, recreational cannabis usage is legal in 24 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This covers U.S. territories like Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in addition to states like California, New York, Illinois, and Colorado. Although regulations governing home cultivation and retail sales vary by jurisdiction, these laws usually allow adults 21 years of age and older to own and use cannabis. Not all legalization attempts have been successful, despite the growing tendency. For instance, Florida barely passed a recreational cannabis item in the 2024 election, missing the necessary supermajority.

# data[].attributes.headline
2024: DEA considers rescheduling marijuana

# data[].attributes.subject
2024: DEA considers rescheduling marijuana

# data[].attributes.body
Since marijuana has been accepted for medical use, the DEA has considered changing it from a schedule I drug to a schedule III. Being in schedule I, it was listed among other drugs like heroin and LSD. Changing marijuana to schedule III could allow for further research into its medical usage and expansion into clinical research. This rule change has received the most public comments of any, with almost 43,000 comments submitted in a 60 day period. There has been no final decision as it has been moved into this year. However, changing its scheduling would not make it legal federally and would still be up to the individual states.