Cannabis has been a part of human culture for millennia, valued for its medicinal, industrial, and recreational uses. Yet, for the past 100 years, it has been largely prohibited worldwide. 2025 marks a century since the start of cannabis prohibition, a milestone that has shaped its complex legal & social history. Let’s recap.
The journey toward cannabis prohibition began in 1925 at the Second International Opium Convention in Geneva. This treaty, led by the United States, introduced international controls on cannabis by classifying its extracts and tinctures as controlled substances. While the convention allowed for medical and scientific use, it marked the beginning of a global trend toward cannabis regulation.
Simultaneously, cannabis was included in the International Pharmacopoeia, acknowledging its medicinal properties but also subjecting it to strict controls.
In the United States, cannabis prohibition gained momentum in the early 20th century. Between 1914 and 1925, 26 states enacted laws restricting cannabis use, often fueled by racial and xenophobic sentiments. The federal government took a significant step in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, effectively prohibiting cannabis nationwide.
The 1950s and 1960s saw increased enforcement, with harsh penalties for possession and use. The “War on Drugs” in the 1980s and 1990s further intensified criminalization, disproportionately affecting communities of color.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a shift in public perception and policy. California led the way in 1996 by legalizing medical cannabis. Over the next few decades, more states followed suit, and public opinion became increasingly supportive of legalization.
Despite state-level reforms, federal prohibition remained in place. In 2025, a U.S. appeals court upheld the federal ban, citing Supreme Court precedents. However, the ongoing tension between state and federal laws highlighted the need for comprehensive reform.
As we reflect on a century of cannabis prohibition, the landscape is changing. The Centenary of Cannabis Prohibition in 2025 serves as a reminder of the need for continued advocacy and education. The journey toward legalization is ongoing, and the next chapter is yet to be written. Sound off in the comments with what you think is coming next for cannabis! And as always, if you need help getting access to legal Medical Cannabis in Utah, let us help you get a card.
