Marijuana wasn’t always illegal in the United States—in fact, it was widely used as a medicine, ingredient in commercial products, and even grown by farmers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cannabis only became criminalized through a gradual process shaped by economic interests, political pressure, racialized propaganda, and shifting federal power.
Here’s a clear breakdown of when and why marijuana was outlawed in the U.S.
📌 Before Prohibition: Cannabis Was Legal and Commonly Used (1800s–Early 1900s)
- Cannabis was sold in U.S. pharmacies as a treatment for pain, insomnia, migraines, and muscle spasms.
- The U.S. Pharmacopeia listed cannabis as a recognized medicine from 1850 to 1942.
- Hemp was widely grown for textiles, rope, military materials, and industrial use.
There was no significant legal movement against cannabis until the early 20th century.
📌 Early Criminalization Driven by Anti-Immigrant & Racial Politics (1910s–1930s)
Cannabis came under scrutiny after the Mexican Revolution (1910), when Mexican immigrants brought recreational cannabis use into the U.S.
Anti-immigrant campaigns linked “marihuana” to:
- Mexican laborers
- Black jazz musicians
- Low-income communities
Newspapers, led by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, pushed sensational stories claiming cannabis caused violence, insanity, and moral corruption—none backed by medical science.
States began passing bans:
| Year | Region | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | California | First state ban |
| 1915–1929 | TX, LA, UT + others | Criminalized possession |
| 1931 | 29 U.S. states | Cannabis outlawed at state level |
This laid the foundation for federal prohibition.
📌 Federal Ban: The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
Year outlawed (first major federal law): 1937
Congress passed The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, pushed by:
- Harry Anslinger, the first head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics
- Hearst-backed anti-cannabis propaganda
- Support from industries threatened by hemp (paper, oil, synthetic textiles)
This law:
- Effectively banned cannabis nationally
- Imposed steep taxes and criminal penalties
- Had no medical justification
The American Medical Association opposed the bill, arguing cannabis had medicinal value, but Congress ignored the testimony.
📌 Cannabis Fully Criminalized Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970
The next turning point came under President Richard Nixon.
Controlled Substances Act (1970):
- Cannabis classified as Schedule I, defined as:
- No medical use
- High abuse potential
- Dangerous to public safety
This placed cannabis alongside heroin and LSD, making research nearly impossible.
Why Nixon Targeted Marijuana
Nixon’s own administration later admitted that cannabis criminalization was used to target political opponents:
- Anti-war activists
- Black communities
Former Nixon aide John Ehrlichman stated (in a later interview):
“We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be against the war or Black, but we could criminalize their communities by associating them with drugs.”
Thus, prohibition was deeply tied to political control rather than safety.
📌 The War on Drugs (1970s–1990s)
Nixon and later Reagan escalated enforcement:
- Harsh mandatory minimum sentences
- Massive federal funding for drug policing
- Huge spike in incarceration for nonviolent possession
This era disproportionately impacted Black and Latino Americans.
📌 The Shift Toward Legalization (1996–Present)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | California legalizes medical marijuana |
| 2012 | Colorado & Washington legalize recreational use |
| 2024–2025 | U.S. moves toward federal rescheduling |
Today, medical cannabis is legal in most of the U.S., and federal reclassification is underway, driven by science and public demand.
🧾 Summary Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1850 | Cannabis listed as medicine in U.S. Pharmacopeia |
| 1937 | Marijuana Tax Act — first federal prohibition |
| 1970 | Schedule I classification under Controlled Substances Act |
| 1980s | War on Drugs expands criminal enforcement |
| 1996 | Beginning of medical legalization era |
| 2020s | State-by-state legalization and federal reform movement |
If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of medical marijuana—its benefits, history, research, and how it’s evolving here in Georgia—explore more articles at Elevated Health MD News. We’re constantly updating our blog with trusted, easy-to-read insights designed to help patients make informed decisions about their health. Stay educated, stay empowered, and keep learning with Elevated Health MD News.
Ready to experience the benefits of medical cannabis legally in Georgia? Getting your medical cannabis card with Elevated Health MD is fast, simple, and completely virtual—no waiting rooms, no hassle. Our Georgia-licensed doctors guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you get approved quickly and confidently. If you’re looking for natural relief and a trusted team to help you get access, Elevated Health MD is your pathway to better wellness.
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