Why is Marijuana Illegal?

7000-8000 B.C.First woven fabric believed to be from hemp.

1619

Jamestown Colony, Virginia passes law requiring farmers to grow hemp.

1700s

Hemp was the primary crop grown by George Washington at Mount Vernon, and a secondary crop grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

1884

Maine is the first state to outlaw alcohol.

1906

Pure Food and Drug Act is passed, forming the Food and Drug Administration. First time that drugs have any government oversight.

1913

California, apparently, passes the first state marijuana law, though missed by many because it referred to “preparations of hemp, or loco weed.”

1914

Harrison Act passed, outlawing opiates and cocaine (taxing scheme)

1915

Utah passes state anti-marijuana law.

1919

18th Amendment to the Constitution (alcohol prohibition) is ratified.

1930

Harry J. Anslinger given control of the new Federal Bureau of…