Up in Smoke: A Timeline of Marijuana Use in the U.S.

UP IN SMOKE A TIMELINE OF MARIJUANA USE IN THE U.S. The political discussion regarding decriminalizing marijuana use is centuries old, yet remains a hot-button issue even today. Where did it all start? Are we heading for a full legalization of marijuana throughout the country? Let's explore some of these questions, as well as a quick look at the increase of its use in the U.S. Reefer Madness? 18.9 MILLION This accounts for 42% 7.3% The percentage of Americans 12 and older who have used marijuana at one point in their lives The number of marijuana users (occasional and daily) in the U.S. of the population. 4.4 MILLION 1 IN 3 The increase in marijuana users from 2007 to today Percentage of drug arrests involving marijuana Americans who live in states where pot is legal for medical uses 333,578 WĂSHINGTON AND COLORADO Americans admitted to treatment programs for marijuana abuse or addiction in 2011, though chemical addiction to the drug remains a debatable issue The only two states that have legalized the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana Medicinal Marijuana Marijuana isn't always used for recreation. Its euphoric high is often utilized as a natural painkiller for various diseases. But only select states have granted the right to disperse it to patients. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 21 STATES THAT ALLOW THE USE OF MEDICINAL MARIJUANA, INCLUDING D.c. Washington Maine Montana Vermont Oregon New Hampshire Massachusetts Michigan Connecticut New Jersey Rhode Island Nevada llinois D.C. Delaware Colorado California Arizona New Mexico Alaska Hawaii DISEASES/CONDITIONS FOR WHICH MEDICINAL MARIJUANA CAN BE PRESCRIBED: AIDS (HIV) Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Crohn's disease Epilepsy Glaucoma Hepatitis C Migraines Multiple sclerosis Nausea due to chemotherapy Tourette's syndrome Terminal illness Back in the Day Where did it all start? Here is a brief timeline of marijuana production and use in the U.S. 1890s 1906 The Pure Food and Drug Act is After the Civil War, marijuana is sold in many over-the-counter medicinal products, .....• passed, requiring any product and hemp is still a common element in clothes manufacturing. with cannabis in it be labeled appropriately. 1930 The Federal Bureau of Narcotics is established, and the federal criminalization of marijuana looms. 1920s After the Mexican Revolution, Mexican immigrants .. migrate to the United States. Recreational use of marijuana spikes, and the drug becomes associated with the immigrant population. 1931 The list of states outlawing marijuana rises to 29 as fear and resentment of ..... Mexican immigrants increases during the Great Depression. 1936 "Reefer Madness," the propaganda film intent on scaring middle class, white citizens into fearing marijuana use, is released. 1960s Recreational use of marijuana increases and creeps into upper-class America. But its effects are scientifically studied and shown not to induce violence. 1950s Federal mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana possession and use are established. 1970s Many mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana are repealed, and for the first time marijuana is differentiated from other more harmful drugs. 1986 President Ronald Reagan promises to get tough on marijuana use and introduces new federal minimum mandatory sentences. 2000 to 2011 1996 California's Proposition 215 allows marijuana to be used as a painkiller for various diseases, including AIDS and cancer. More than a dozen states vote to decriminalize marijuana for medical uses. But because of federal laws, marijuana use and possession still remain chargeable offenses. 2012 Washington and Colorado become the first two states to legalize recreational use of marijuana for some adults. The Doobie Debate: Dangerous Gateway or Harmless Hobby? To some, it's a less-dangerous version of alcohol. To others, it's a hazardous trend that provides a gateway into harder drugs. Let's take a closer look at this debate and where it leaves the U.S. today. 1964 There is a clear difference between both the number of people who smoke marijuana today compared to the 20th century and the number of people who are willing to admit it. 2013 Gallup polls show that 4 IN 100 1 IN 4 people had smoked marijuana in the past year. people have smoked marijuana in the past year. WHAT ARE THE TWO SIDES ACTUALLY SAYING? Legalize it! No hope in dope! Marijuana is no more harmful to the body than alcohol or cigarettes. Crime rates relating to marijuana and drug cartels would reduce. Marijuana is a gateway drug to harder, more dangerous drugs. Incidents of intoxicated driving would increase. The FDA could regulate the safety of marije Its legalization would free "criminals" who have suffered harsh mandatory minimum sentences in U.S. prisons. Those who have been arrested for marijuana-related charges will be back on the streets and committing more crimes. The legalization of marijuana will eventually lead to the legalization of all drugs. SOURCES • www.drugwarfacts.org www.medicalmarijuana.procon.org www.pbs.org www.balancedpolitics.org www.policymic.com www.reuters.com · www.wptv.com online-paralegal-degree.org