MARIJUANA & THE LAW
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Marijuana & The Law
The emergent world of legal cannabis has come with a slew of questions. How do these state laws work when marijuana remains illegal on the federal level? What’s the difference between legalization and decriminalization? What is THC, CBD, or even Hemp? Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Marijuana & The Law. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Cannabis:
Marijuana; other terms are weed, pot, grass, skunk, ganja, maryjane, and reefer.
Decriminalization:
Results in those who have marijuana charges no longer being considered criminals, and one's criminal record being absolved of any marijuana charges. This does not equate to legality.
Cannabis Components:
Hemp (plant; specifically grown for industrial usage), THC (psychedelic; causes a "high"), CBD (primarily medicinal).
Legalization:
A state decision allowing the use of marijuana for recreational, medical, research, entrepreneurial, financial, and investment purposes. Federally, marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 Drug.
'Gateway Drug':
The mythical narrative that marijuana use would lead to further drug use, demoralization, criminality, and addiction.
Moments In History
1936 - Reefer Madness, a film based on the fear of interracial marriages, propogandizes marijuana use.
1960s - Marijuana decriminalization movement results in 11 U.S. states taking measures.
2012 - Colorado becomes the first state to legalize recreational marijuana.
1937 - Marihuana Tax Act is passed, prohibiting marijuana use.
1996 - California becomes the first state to legalize medical marijuana.
Statistics
8.25 million Americans have marijuana charges, with 40,000 Americans in prison, according to a 2020 Forbes article.
48.2 million Americans have reported that they use marijuana, according to a 2023 study from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Marijuana use is equal among races, ethnicities, and income brackets.
According to Pew Research Center, 59% of Americans support legalization for recreational use, while 30% support medical use only.
A 2020 analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union concluded that 4 African Americans are arrested for violating marijuana possession laws at nearly four times the rates of whites, yet both ethnicities consume marijuana at roughly the same rates.
19 states have fully legalized marijuana according to Yahoo Finance; 4 states maintain full illegalization of marijuana; 27 states have a combination of decriminalization and medical use legislation.
Values
Pot Culture
Economic Benefits
Racial Justice
Recreational Use
Medicinal Use
Notable Names
Charlotte Figi
John Boehner
Charles Lynch
Patrick Kennedy
Snoop Dogg
Symbols
Our Events
Future
Past
Further Resources
Marijuana & The Law Infographic
Share what you have learned about Marijuana & The Law. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Popcorn & Chat Event Video
Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching Lynching Charlie Lynch together, we discussed the film and what we learned about marijuana & the law. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Know-It-All Event Video
Our speaker event was insightful and fun! The interesting anecdotes from Ruby Doll and Kai Storm, producers of the Motherhood Sex Marijuana podcast, Nia Talley Gill, a analytical policy and procedure expert, and Matt Ross, a sales and inventory manager at several cannabis dispensaries, were invaluable and truly entertaining. Watch the video to further understand the need to avoid food waste and embrace a food recovery lifestyle. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Know-It-All Watch: Avoiding Food Waste Party party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Familiarize yourself with your city, state, and federal laws regarding marijuana, as well as your representatives' stances on Marijuana & The Law.
Have a conversation about marijuana laws with someone. People are often reluctant to talk about marijuana because of the potential legal implications and professional stigma of marijuana use, making it a controversial topic.
Commit to one weekly action to learn about Marijuana & The Law.
Visit a dispensary and ask questions to a potpreneur to help dispel your stereotypes and learn the difference between CBD and THC.
Share our Marijuana & The Law Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!