Marijuana Legalization History
A timeline of key events in marijuana legalization in the United States, from prohibition to state-by-state legalization.
Key Milestones
Major events in US marijuana policy and legalization
Continued Expansion
Multiple states continue to legalize or expand marijuana programs, with over half of US states now having some form of legal marijuana.
Federal Rescheduling Considered
The Biden administration initiates a review of marijuana's Schedule I classification, signaling potential federal policy changes.
More States Legalize
Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota legalize recreational marijuana through ballot measures.
Farm Bill
The Agriculture Improvement Act legalizes hemp (cannabis with <0.3% THC) at the federal level, separating it from marijuana.
First Legal Sales
Colorado opens the first legal recreational marijuana dispensaries in the United States on January 1st.
Colorado & Washington Legalize
Colorado and Washington become the first states to legalize recreational marijuana through ballot initiatives, effective 2014.
California Proposition 215
California becomes the first state to legalize medical marijuana, marking the beginning of state-level legalization efforts.
Controlled Substances Act
Marijuana classified as Schedule I (no accepted medical use, high potential for abuse) under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.
Marijuana Tax Act
The first federal law effectively criminalizing marijuana at the federal level, requiring a tax stamp that was nearly impossible to obtain.
Current Status
As of 2024, the landscape of marijuana legalization in the United States has dramatically changed:
- •Recreational marijuana is legal in over 20 states plus Washington D.C.
- •Medical marijuana is legal in over 35 states
- •Decriminalization has been adopted in several additional states
- •Federal law still classifies marijuana as illegal, creating ongoing conflicts with state laws
The trend toward legalization continues, with more states considering legalization through legislation or ballot initiatives each year.
Explore Current Laws
See how this history has shaped current marijuana laws:
- •Check our Interactive Map to see current legal status by state
- •Visit individual State Pages for detailed information about each state's laws
- •Read our FAQ for answers to common questions about marijuana legality