Useful Information
The U.S. pharmacopeia (1850-1942): Cannabis was widely used.
The Laguardia Report (1944) showed potential for cannabis being used in addiction treatment.
Boggs Act (1951): Mandatory punishment for narcotics offenses with minimum sentencing guidelines enacted, this includes cannabis for the first time.
The Controlled Substances Act (1970): Cannabis is placed in the most restrictive category.
The Shafer Report (1972) was largely ignored.
U.S. v Randall (1976): Judge James A. Washington ruled that medical necessity was a legal defense against federal cannabis laws in the District of Columbia.
Randall v U.S. (1978): Expansion of the Investigational New Drug Program, to include the “compassionate” use of cannabis.
Army Veteran/New Mexican Lynn Piersan (1978), was the driving force behind the first medical marijuana law. He passed away from testicular cancer before he could receive “legal” cannabis.
HR 4498 (1981): “A bill to provide for the therapeutic use of marijuana in situations involving life-threatening illnesses and to provide adequate supplies of marijuana for such use”. Sponsored by Newt Gingrich, and other Republican leaders of the time.
George H. W. Bush (1991) and the end of compassion in the U.S..
2009 Obama memorandum protecting cannabis businesses in “legal” states.
VA directive 1315 (2011):“Protecting” Veterans who use cannabis in “legal” states.
