Cannabis has been embroiled in its fair share of controversy in the decades since the birth of the United States. Initially popular during the 20th Century, it enjoys a wider level of acceptance (in some states) now. However not long ago, public attitudes surrounding cannabis were so negative, government prohibition of the substance followed suit.
In order to clarify this confusing chronology of cannabis, this timeline will explain some of the basic history of the plants uses, as well as the most significant acts of legislation regarding marijuana both federally and in Arizona.
Federal Timeline
Late 1800s: Marijuana used as ingredient in medical products
After the use of hemp was popular during the Colonial Era, but was eventually replaced by other materials, cannabis was used as an ingredient in medicinal products, where it was openly sold in pharmacies.
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June 30, 1906: Pure Food and Drug Act
Signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Pure Food and Drug Act effectively established an eventual move toward prohibition of cannabis. The act sought to ensure accurate labeling of food and drugs to promote safety regarding adulterated goods and required cannabis to be properly labeled in any over-the-counter medicines.
However, it also provided the infrastructure to begin regulating the substance, which had never before been an illegal product.
1910s-1930s: Mexican immigrants bring recreational use of cannabis to the U.S., fear and resentment ensues
As immigrants from Mexico entered the United States following the Mexican Revolution of 1910, they introduced to the culture the recreational use of marijuana. While resentment and prejudice towards these Mexican immigrants grew as economic turmoil developed, the drug became closely linked to those negative attitudes, leading anti-drug campaigners threatening the advancement of a “Marijuana Menace.”
1915: California is first state to make cannabis possession illegal
In an amendment to California’s 1913 Poison Act, which restricted the sale of narcotics such as cocaine and opium, cannabis was later added to Section 8 of the law. A loophole in the wording of the act declared possession of prescribed cannabis illegal, even while possession of legally prescribed narcotics was permitted.
1937: Congress passes the Marijuana Tax Act
In response to growing concern by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics regarding the abuse of cannabis, Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act. This act essentially criminalized the substance, limiting possession of cannabis only to those who would pay an excise tax for authorized medicinal or industrial use.
1952-1956: Federal government imposes stricter sentencing laws for drug-related offenses
Federal laws like the Boggs Act in 1952 and the Narcotics Control Act in 1956 established mandatory sentences for drug-related offenses, which included cannabis. For example, a fine of up to $20,000 and a minimum sentence of 2-10 years in prison was the sentence for a first-offense marijuana possession.
1970: Congress repeals most mandatory penalties for drug-related offenses
After the mandatory minimum sentences established during the 1950s had done little to curb the drug culture surrounding marijuana, Congress repealed many of the sentencing requirements that were deemed unnecessarily harsh.
1970: Cannabis classified as Schedule 1 substance under Controlled Substances Act
The federal government classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 substance in 1970, which deemed it had no acceptable medicinal use and was among drugs at the most risk for abuse.
1970: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws founded
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) was established in 1970 in an effort to oppose marijuana prohibition through lobbying and public policy debate.
1972: Shafer Commission determines personal use of cannabis should be decriminalized
In 1972, a commission of lawmakers under the Nixon administration who disagreed with the classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance drafted a report based on a comprehensive study of the drug. The report was titled, “Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding” and compiled surveys of varying demographics and commissioned projects to study the effects of cannabis and recorded thousands of pages of transcripts of hearings.
1986: President Reagan signs the Anti-Drug Abuse Act
The Anti-Drug Abuse Act signed by President Reagan, in tandem with the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, led to higher federal penalties for possession and dealing of marijuana. An amendment to the act later introduced the “three strikes, you’re out” policy, which required life sentences for repeat offenders.
1996: California passes Proposition 215
In 1996, California passed Proposition 215, which allowed for the sale and medical use of marijuana for patients with serious diseases, such as cancer and AIDS. This made it the first state to legalize cannabis for medical use, despite its conflict with federal laws surrounding the drug.
Arizona Timeline
Nov. 2, 2010: Arizona voters pass Proposition 203
On Nov. 2, 2010, Proposition 203 passed with 50.13% of the vote. This measure legalized marijuana for medical use in Arizona, leading the way for dispensaries to be registered and established throughout the state in the months following.
March 28, 2011: AzDHS finalizes dispensary and registry identification card regulations
The Arizona Department of Health Services prepared to register one dispensary for every 10 pharmacies in the state, for a total of 125 dispensaries.
April 14, 2011: AzDHS begins accepting applications for registry cards providing patients and their caregivers protection from arrest
2016: Arizona voters attempt to pass Proposition 205
Proposition 205, a citizen-initiated proposal that sought to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Arizona was voted on in 2016, but was defeated with 51.3% voting “No.”
2019: Gov. Doug Ducey signs legislation requiring dispensaries to have all medical marijuana tested by third-party laboratories
In addition to this, the legislation also made patient registry cards for medical marijuana valid for two years instead of one, saving Arizona medical card holders hundreds of dollars in the coming years.
2019: Arizona Supreme Court rules that infused cannabis products are legal under state’s medical marijuana law
This ruling confirmed that concentrates, edibles and other products infused with cannabis were legal, which ended concerns regarding a controversial reading of the 2010 initiative.
Nov. 3, 2020: Arizona voters pass Proposition 207
Proposition 207, also known as the Safe and Smart Act, passed with 60.03% voting “Yes,” legalizing the recreational use and possession of marijuana for adults 21 and older in Arizona.