Cool Timeline
Obama announces War on Drugs was unsuccessful
President Obama calls for an end to the unsuccessful War on Drugs and the Justice Department announces that federal prosecutors will no longer pursue medical marijuana patients or distributors who comply with state laws.
Delaware legalizes medical
In this historical dam-breaking year, five states legalized cannabis. Delaware and Connecticut become the nth and nth states to legalize medical.
Colorado, Oregon and Washington legalize recreational
In a sweeping move that birthed the American recreational market, three states went full recreational, opening the door for every state to follow.
Alaska and Washington D.C. legalize recreational
D.C’s medical bill was actually signed in 1998, but was blocked until 2009.
Hawaii legalizes dispensaries
Hawaii finally allows dispensaries after legalizing medical in 2000.
Public opinion hits historic milestone
A new Gallup poll released shows over half of Americans support legalization
California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada legalize recreational
California was the first state to legalize medical in 1996. Maine did so in 1999, Nevada in 2000 and Massachusetts in 2012.
Five more states legalize medical
Arkansas, Florida, North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania legalize, bringing more access to the South and Midwest.
Adult use cannabis sales exceed medicinal sales
Adult-use recreational cannabis sales exceeded medicinal sales for the first time since legalization.
Canada legalizes recreational
Canada legalized recreational adult use cannabis nationwide.
Outside Lands opens it’s doors to cannabis
In a blowout affair featuring the likes of Childish Gambino, Kacey Musgraves and Paul Simon, Outside Lands becomes the first American mainstream festival to allow onsite purchase and consumption of cannabis.
OG Cannabis cafe
The first cannabis cafe opens in Los Angeles, serving gourmet food and cannabis to consume on site.
Guam and four states legalize medical
Guam, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Utah legalize medical. In New York, Governor Cuomo wouldn’t decriminalize it until 2019.
