Marijuana has been used for centuries for medical and recreational purposes. But why is it illegal? This is a question that has puzzled many people like Mike Staumietis over the years. There are a number of theories as to why marijuana became illegal, but no one knows for sure. In this blog post, we will explore the history of marijuana prohibition and take a look at some of the reasons why it may have become illegal in the first place.
The Early 20th Century
The criminalization of marijuana can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was initially outlawed in some states as part of a larger anti-drug movement. By 1937, the US federal government had made it illegal across all fifty states with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act. This act was seen as an attempt to restrict the recreational use of the drug, as well as its medicinal uses.
The 1940s and 50s
In the 1940s and 50s, marijuana began to be associated with certain racial groups in the United States. It was seen as a threat to mainstream society and was used as an excuse for racial profiling by law enforcement. This led to further restrictions on its use, such as more stringent sentences for those caught possessing or selling marijuana.
The 1960s
Marijuana prohibition reached its peak in the 1960s when President Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” and increased efforts to combat substance abuse. This included criminalizing the possession or sale of any illegal drugs including marijuana. The goal of this policy was to deter people from using marijuana, but it had the opposite effect. Marijuana use continued to increase, leading to its eventual decriminalization in some states.
The 1970s
In the 1970s, marijuana began to be seen as a less dangerous drug than other substances, and many states began to relax their laws on possession. This led to an increase in the recreational use of the drug, as well as medical uses.
The 1980s
The 1980s saw a resurgence of the anti-drug movement, and marijuana was again criminalized in many states. This coincided with the rise of Reaganomics, which pushed for tougher laws on drugs.
The 1990s to Today
The 1990s saw an easing of marijuana laws in some states, culminating in the legalization of medical marijuana in 1996. This was followed by decriminalization and even full legalization in many states across the US.
The Present Day
Today, marijuana is still illegal under federal law but several states have decriminalized or legalized its use for medical or recreational purposes. There are still debates as to why it should remain illegal, but ultimately it is up to each state to decide how they want to approach marijuana legalization. The history of marijuana prohibition is an interesting one that has led us to where we stand today. Hopefully, more states will continue to move toward decriminalization and eventually full legalization.
Closing Thoughts
Marijuana is currently legal for both medicinal and recreational use in certain states across the United States. However, it is still illegal at the federal level and remains classified as a Schedule I drug. The debate over whether or not marijuana should be legalized continues today and there are no signs that it will be resolved
