Marijuana Timeline by Arianna Orellana

1930s: Cannabis linked to anti-Mexican rhetoric.

sbravo36_2 — 2025-04-16 22:56:31 UTC

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.

1936: Reefer Madness promotes anti-cannabis panic.

sbravo36_2 — 2025-04-16 22:57:24 UTC

"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.

1996: CA legalizes medical marijuana

aguerrero161_1 — 2025-04-16 23:02:25 UTC

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.

2012: CO & WA legalize recreational cannabis

aguerrero161_1 — 2025-04-16 23:04:16 UTC

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.

2024: 24 states have legal recreational cannabis

aguerrero161_1 — 2025-04-16 23:04:27 UTC

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.

2024: 38 states + D.C. allow medical use

aguerrero161_1 — 2025-04-16 23:04:43 UTC

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.

1970: Controlled Substances Act lists marijuana as Schedule 1

msilva122_1 — 2025-04-16 23:15:29 UTC

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.

1970: Schedule 1 status creates federal/state legal conflict

msilva122_1 — 2025-04-16 23:16:58 UTC

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.

1980s

olgacastaneda70 — 2025-04-17 02:08:24 UTC

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.

1986

olgacastaneda70 — 2025-04-17 02:11:59 UTC

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.

1937: Marijuana Tax Act Marks First

2025-04-17 04:06:44 UTC

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.

1969: Low Public Support for Legalization

2025-04-17 04:09:21 UTC

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.

1982: Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No" Campaign

aorellana39_1 — 2025-04-17 04:55:52 UTC

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

2022: President Biden Pardon

aorellana39_1 — 2025-04-17 04:56:34 UTC

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

2022: Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act

aorellana39_1 — 2025-04-17 04:56:56 UTC

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

2016: CA's Prop 64 - The Adult Use of Marijuana Act

aorellana39_1 — 2025-04-17 04:57:31 UTC

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

1910s-1920s: Anti-cannabis sentiment grows with Mexican immigration.

sbravo36_2 — 2025-04-17 17:05:26 UTC

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.

1906: Pure Food and Drug Act requires cannabis labeling.

sbravo36_2 — 2025-04-17 17:06:03 UTC

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.

1971: Nixon Declares the War on Drugs

2025-04-17 22:00:41 UTC

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.

1980s: “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” PSA

2025-04-17 22:01:41 UTC

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.

2010s-2020s: Media normalizes medical and recreational use

msilva122_1 — 2025-05-03 03:14:45 UTC

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.

2020 Disparities persist even in legalized states

msilva122_1 — 2025-05-03 03:40:46 UTC

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.

1988: George H.W. Bush continues War on Drugs

jcoreazepeda1_2 — 2025-05-04 00:44:32 UTC

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.

1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act

jcoreazepeda1_2 — 2025-05-04 01:16:02 UTC

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.

2000 & 2010: Black Americans and Police Discrimination

jcoreazepeda1_2 — 2025-05-04 01:46:53 UTC

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.

2009: Obama Administration Depreotides Enforcement in Legal States

jcoreazepeda1_2 — 2025-05-04 02:17:15 UTC

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).

2019: Vaping & cannabis trends

olgacastaneda70 — 2025-05-05 01:41:14 UTC

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.

2023: Several States Legalize Adult use of Cannabis

olgacastaneda70 — 2025-05-05 01:54:16 UTC

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.

2019: MORE Act Introduced in Congress

jcoreazepeda1_2 — 2025-05-05 21:48:54 UTC

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.

2024: DEA considers rescheduling marijuana

sbravo36_2 — 2025-05-05 21:58:27 UTC

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.

1950: Enactment of Federal Laws

olgacastaneda70 — 2025-05-06 00:17:10 UTC

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.

2010: California Proposition 19

aorellana39_1 — 2025-05-06 06:09:20 UTC

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.