US Marijuana Laws
A Brief History of Cannabis Laws in America...
By: Staff 2-15-2014 | TCG
The regulation of cannabis in America, can be traced back to the colonial period. Hemp, was such a highly valued commodity then, that the colonist, were often required by law, to grow hemp. From paper and linen, to quality rope, the industrial use of hemp was wide-spread, not only in America, but around the world.
By 1850, medicinal use of cannabis had become common practice. For a period, cannabis preparations, were the number one prescribed medicine in the US. The use of various cannabis extracts, remained popular through the turn of the century.
During this period, a growing concern over pharmaceuticals began to grow. States began regulating the sale by implementing, so-called "poison laws". Which generally required, that the extracts be labeled as poisonous and generally harmful to humans. Others, required a doctor's prescription or that sales be made in pharmacies.
It was also at this time, that narcotics use was becoming rampant in the US. Similarly, as the recreational use of cannabis grew in popularity, further attempts by states to push towards criminalization followed. This continued till 1937, when the Marijuana Tax Act was enacted. It made the sale and possession of cannabis illegal under federal law. There were exemptions for medicinal and industrial use. An inexpensive excise tax was required. Annual fees for the tax were collected from importers, manufacturers, and cultivators of marijuana.
In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act, was signed into law by president, Richard Nixon. It listed cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, having no established or safe medical use and having a high potential for abuse. This is the highest level of the Schedule. It makes the use, possession, sale of cannabis illegal across the United States.
Since coming into law, the federal government has given states some latitude to decriminalize and regulate marijuana use. Many states and cities, have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. While others,
now allow for medicinal use. And a growing number of states, have decriminalized possession, and allow medicinal use.
In 2012, both Washington state and Colorado legalized the recreational use and sale of cannabis.
Currently, while efforts to reform, and legalize use is increasing across the United States... Cannabis remains an illegal, Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
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Songs about getting high through the decades.
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US Marijuana Laws By State.
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FAQ: Washington State Initiative 502.
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A Brief History of Cannabis Laws in America...
By: Staff 2-15-2014 | TCG
The regulation of cannabis in America, can be traced back to the colonial period. Hemp, was such a highly valued commodity then, that the colonist, were often required by law, to grow hemp. From paper and linen, to quality rope, the industrial use of hemp was wide-spread, not only in America, but around the world.
By 1850, medicinal use of cannabis had become common practice. For a period, cannabis preparations, were the number one prescribed medicine in the US. The use of various cannabis extracts, remained popular through the turn of the century.
During this period, a growing concern over pharmaceuticals began to grow. States began regulating the sale by implementing, so-called "poison laws". Which generally required, that the extracts be labeled as poisonous and generally harmful to humans. Others, required a doctor's prescription or that sales be made in pharmacies.
It was also at this time, that narcotics use was becoming rampant in the US. Similarly, as the recreational use of cannabis grew in popularity, further attempts by states to push towards criminalization followed. This continued till 1937, when the Marijuana Tax Act was enacted. It made the sale and possession of cannabis illegal under federal law. There were exemptions for medicinal and industrial use. An inexpensive excise tax was required. Annual fees for the tax were collected from importers, manufacturers, and cultivators of marijuana.
In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act, was signed into law by president, Richard Nixon. It listed cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, having no established or safe medical use and having a high potential for abuse. This is the highest level of the Schedule. It makes the use, possession, sale of cannabis illegal across the United States.
Since coming into law, the federal government has given states some latitude to decriminalize and regulate marijuana use. Many states and cities, have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. While others,
now allow for medicinal use. And a growing number of states, have decriminalized possession, and allow medicinal use.
In 2012, both Washington state and Colorado legalized the recreational use and sale of cannabis.
Currently, while efforts to reform, and legalize use is increasing across the United States... Cannabis remains an illegal, Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
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US Marijuana Laws By State. |
FAQ: Washington State Initiative 502. |
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