Austin Criminal Lawyers

A Brief History of Marijuana in the United States

The United States has regulated some drugs, while it keeps other drugs illegal. For example, alcohol and tobacco, which are drugs, are legal. Marijuana, however, is illegal.

Marijuana was not always illegal. Until the early 20th century, marijuana was used for a number of purposes. People were allowed to use, or at least not prevented from using. Additionally, it was also used for medicinal purposes. In the 1840s, cannabis began being used in medicines. From the 1840s to the 1920s, medicinal marijuana use grew. Moreover, marijuana was even given to very young children in the form of syrup. Because it was effective as a painkiller, marijuana used in medicine was common.

In the 1910s, though, states began to make marijuana use for nonmedical purposes illegal. California was the first state to take such an action by making it illegal in 1915. In 1937, the United States made marijuana completely illegal.

Marijuana was not usually smoked in the previous centuries, but more often found in syrup or tablet form. Furthermore, marijuana has also been put in tea and alcohol.

Marijuana use remains controversial in the United States. Several times it has been recommended by powerful people that medical marijuana use should be made legal, but the suggestions have been ignored. More recently, however, pressure has been mounting for not only medical marijuana, but also recreational marijuana use to be made legal.

Contact Austin Criminal Lawyers

If you have been charged with marijuana possession or trafficking, you will face severe criminal penalties. For help fighting marijuana charges, contact the Austin criminal attorneys of Ian Inglis by calling 512-472-1950.