In this post, we’ve gathered 15 of the most interesting facts about marijuana. Enjoy this article while you also learn something new about the most common illegal drug in the United States!
Marijuana Statistics and Fast Facts
Recent Gallup poll numbers show that Americans are more likely now, than at any point in the past five decades, to support the legalization of marijuana in the U.S! 68% of American adults who currently back the measure is not statistically different from last year’s 66%; however, it’s Gallup’s highest reading, surpassing the 64% to 66% range seen between 2017 and 2019.
Marijuana is the most common illegal drug used in the United States. Approximately 100 million Americans have tried marijuana at least once, and more than 25 million have smoked it in the last year.
According to one national survey on drug use, each day approximately 6,000 Americans try marijuana for the first time.
Worldwide, it is estimated that about 162 million adults use marijuana at least once per year, and 22.5 million use the drug daily.
After alcohol, marijuana is the most popular recreational or mood-altering drug used worldwide.
There are over 200 slang terms for marijuana in the popular vernacular. Some of the more common nicknames include pot, grass, weed, hash, and ganja.
The first recorded use of marijuana as a medicinal drug occurred in 2737 B.C. by Chinese emperor Shen Nung. The emperor documented the drug’s effectiveness in treating the pains of rheumatism and gout.
The first law in the American colonies regarding marijuana was a 1619 law that actually required farmers to grow the hemp plant.
During the temperance movement of the 1890s, marijuana was commonly recommended as a substitute for alcohol.
Prior to its ban, hemp was a staple cash crop of the family farm in early America. The first two drafts of the United States Declaration of Independence were written on paper made from hemp.
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 made it illegal to possess, use, buy, sell, or cultivate marijuana in the United States. The law classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use.
In 2007, nearly 900,000 arrests for marijuana violations were made in the United States.
From 1850 to 1942, marijuana was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia as a useful medicine for nausea, rheumatism, and labor pains and was easily obtained at the local general store or pharmacy.
In 2003, Canada became the first country in the world to offer medical marijuana to pain-suffering patients.
In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legally allow medical marijuana for patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation.
While marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law, 13 U.S. states currently have compassionate use laws in place, which allow for regulated medical marijuana use: AK, CA, CO, HI, ME, MI, MT, NV, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA. An additional 17 states and the District of Columbia have legislated to recognize the value of medical marijuana but do not protect users from federal prosecution.
Need Further Marijuana Advice?
If you need advice on marijuana possession charges or issues, schedule a call with a trusted marijuana lawyer. Contact Austin, Tx criminal defense lawyer James Gill to get informed and protect your legal rights.