Outlet Store
We Deliver! 
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, used by ancient civilizations for medicine, textiles, and even spiritual rituals. But in the U.S., the story took a sharp turn in the 20th century—one that was shaped more by politics and prejudice than by science or safety. Let’s take a quick trip through cannabis history, from its criminalization to its growing acceptance today.
Early Use and Acceptance
Before it was controversial, cannabis was just another crop. In the 1800s, American pharmacies stocked cannabis tinctures as medicine. Hemp—cannabis’s non-psychoactive cousin—was grown widely for rope, paper, and clothing. It wasn’t a big deal.
Enter: Racism and Reefer Madness
In the early 1900s, attitudes shifted. After the Mexican Revolution, a wave of immigrants came to the U.S., bringing with them cultural traditions—including smoking cannabis. Around the same time, Black jazz musicians in cities like New Orleans were also known to use it.
Suddenly, cannabis wasn’t just a medicine. It was portrayed as a dangerous drug used by “outsiders.” Politicians and newspapers leaned hard into racist fears. In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act effectively criminalized cannabis. The law was pushed by Harry Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who made wildly false claims about cannabis causing insanity and violent crime—especially among people of color. The media followed suit, fueling public panic with films like Reefer Madness.
The War on Drugs
Fast forward to the 1970s. President Nixon officially declared a “War on Drugs,” placing cannabis in Schedule I—the most restricted category, alongside heroin. This wasn’t about science (even Nixon’s own advisors admitted cannabis wasn’t that dangerous). It was about controlling political enemies. Leaked memos later revealed that the War on Drugs was a tool to target Black communities and anti-war protesters.
In the 1980s and ‘90s, the war ramped up. Harsh sentencing laws—especially for minor drug offenses—led to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino communities. A single joint could land someone in prison for years.
A Shift in Public Opinion
Despite decades of fear-mongering, people started questioning the narrative. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Patients found relief from chronic pain, seizures, and cancer treatments—often with fewer side effects than traditional meds.
The medical movement laid the groundwork for full legalization. In the 2010s, states like Colorado and Washington voted to legalize recreational use. More followed.
Where We Are Now
Today, more than half of U.S. states have legalized cannabis for either medical or adult use. Public support is at an all-time high. But while the industry booms, many people—especially from communities targeted by the drug war—are still dealing with the consequences. Expungement and equity programs are starting to gain traction, but there’s a long way to go.
In Short
Cannabis didn’t become illegal because it was dangerous. It became illegal because it was politically convenient. Understanding that helps reframe the conversation—not just around legalization, but around justice, too.
