Early History (1912 – 1930s)

In 1912, Saint Louis was among the first cities in America to outlaw the cultivation and sale of cannabis, along with many other states at the time. This was largely driven by a moral panic fueled by propaganda from industries like timber and cotton who saw cannabis as a threat to their businesses. The early laws were strict and harshly enforced, often leading to incarceration for even minor offenses such as possession.

During the 1930s, there was a brief relaxation of anti-cannabis laws due to a lack of resources to enforce them effectively. However, this trend did not last and the harsh penalties remained in place throughout much of the 20th century.

Mid-Twentieth Century (1940s – 1970s)

In the mid-twentieth century, cannabis laws began to soften somewhat, with many states implementing less severe punishments for small amounts of marijuana. However, it wasn’t until the late 60s and early 70s that a more concerted effort to relax cannabis laws started to gain traction. The counterculture movement was at its height during this period, with many young people questioning traditional values and seeking new ways of being. Cannabis use became more widespread, leading some states to decriminalize small amounts of the drug.

During these years, there were several notable legal cases involving cannabis prohibition that drew national attention and began to challenge the harshness of anti-drug laws. In 1966, for example, musician Lenny Bruce was arrested for possession of marijuana, leading to a high-profile court case that ultimately ended in his acquittal.

Tougher Laws in the 80s and 90s (1980s – 1990s)

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a shift towards harsher cannabis laws across the country. “Tough on crime” rhetoric became popular in politics, with lawmakers seeking to appear tough on drugs. The result was longer sentences for drug offenses, including marijuana possession. Saint Louis was not immune to these trends, and cannabis laws continued to tighten over the course of several decades.

One particularly notable example of this shift towards harsher penalties was the case of California’s Proposition 215 in 1996, which legalized the use of medicinal marijuana for seriously ill patients. While this law provided a glimmer of hope for some, it did not have any immediate impact on cannabis laws in Saint Louis or other parts of the country outside of California.

Medical Marijuana (2000s)

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential medical benefits of marijuana. Several states including Missouri have passed legislation allowing for the use of medicinal cannabis products with a doctor’s prescription. While this is a positive development, the laws are still heavily regulated and access remains limited in many areas.

One notable example of the trend towards medical marijuana was California’s Proposition 215, which passed in 1996 and allowed for the use of medicinal cannabis by patients with certain illnesses or conditions. While this law was initially met with skepticism, it has since been followed by a number of similar laws in other states, including Missouri.

Recreational Legalization (2018 – Present)

In 2018, Missouri became one of several states to legalize medical marijuana use. However, there is ongoing debate about whether to also legalize recreational marijuana, which would allow adults over 21 to possess and consume small amounts of cannabis without a prescription. Supporters argue that this could generate tax revenue and reduce the number of people arrested for minor possession offenses, while opponents cite concerns about addiction and negative health effects.

One notable example of this debate is the case of Massachusetts, which legalized both medical and recreational marijuana in 2016. While this has led to a booming industry in the state and generated millions of dollars in tax revenue, there are still concerns about the impact on public health and safety.

One notable example of this issue was the “war on drugs” campaign launched by President Richard Nixon in the 1970s. While this effort led to a significant increase in incarceration rates for drug offenses, it has been criticized for its disproportionate impact on minority communities and for failing to address the underlying causes of drug addiction and abuse.

Saint Louis’s history with cannabis prohibition reflects broader trends in American drug policy over the past century. While there has been some softening of laws in recent years, particularly around medical marijuana use, there is still much work to be done to fully legalize and destigmatize cannabis use. As we continue to debate these issues, it is important to recognize the long history of cannabis prohibition and its impact on communities throughout Missouri and beyond.