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500
Spreading to Europe
As early as 500 A.D., Marijuana’s use was spreading around the world and had reached Europe. -
Jan 1, 1545
Marijuana spreads to the New World
In 1545, Marijuana came to the New world via the Spanish (Puritans). In Jamestown, marijuana was a crop that was largely successful with tobacco. -
Early uses of Marijuana
The cannabis plant (marijuana) takes on many uses as its form as hemp. These uses include make clothing rope, and medical purposes (sold in pharmacies), -
Hemp becomes popular
By 1890, hemp was becoming largely popular and was even replacing cotton as a major revenue maker for southern states. -
America recognizes recreational use
A large amount of Mexican immigrants come to the United States after the American revolution and bring about the recreational use by the people. -
George Schlichten introduces the "Decorticator".
In 1917, George Schlichten introduced the “Decorticator” which basically made the production of hemp very cheap, making it a better source of paper than timber. -
Prohibition
During the Prohibition in the 1920's, marijuana’s popularity soared as people looked to other sources of pleasure. However, for the most part, marijuana was used by people in the show business.In big cities, there were clubs, called tea pads, that tolerated the use of marijuana because it was not illegal and it was not causing any disturbances. -
U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics
In the 1930s, groups such as the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics argued that marijuana was a gateway drug and it would lead to the use of serious hard drugs. -
A symbol of rebellion
In the 1960s, college students along with hippies used marijuana as “a symbol of rebellion against authority” (Narconon 1). -
Controlled Substances Act of 1970
The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 put an end to the legal use of marijuana. -
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is formed. The DEA's job is to enforce controlled substance laws and regulations in the U.S. The DEA performs tasks from investigating to seizing drug activity (including marijuana, as of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970). -
United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Coop
In a supreme court case, the question of whether or not there exists a medical exception to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, specifically marijuana, was argued. In a clear 8-0 vote, it was decided that there is no such medical necessity exception. -
Gonzales v. Raich
In a Supreme Court case, the question of whether or not the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 extends beyond the commerce clause for medical use, is decided upon. In a 6-3 final vote, the Supreme Court stated that no, it does not extend beyond the commerce clause for medical use. -
Marijuana is legalized in Washington
The Washington Initiative 502 is approved by popular vote, and is planned to be implemented to later than Decemeber 6, 2012 -
Marijuana is legalized in Colorado
Amendment 64 to the Colorado state constitution was ratified and marijuana become legal. -
B.C.
The Chinese used Marijuana for medical purposes, dated back to 2737 B.C. These purposes included rheumatism, gout, malaria, and even absent-mindedness.
