U.S. History of Cannabis and Hemp: From Early Agriculture to Modern Reform
Hemp, Cannabis, and the Birth of a Nation
Long before cannabis became a cultural flashpoint, hemp was a valued agricultural crop in early America. European settlers brought cannabis to North America in the 1600s, encouraging its cultivation for fiber, rope, sails, clothing, and other essential products. In 1619, the Virginia Assembly passed a law requiring farmers to grow hemp, reflecting how deeply the plant was woven into the colonial economy. Hemp production was so important that it was even accepted as legal tender in several colonies. PBS+1
Prominent Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, also grew hemp on their estates, reflecting its role in early American agriculture. Washington documented his hemp harvests, and Jefferson supported its cultivation as a practical cash crop for early American farmers. MediThrive+1
From Medicine Cabinet to Mainstream Pharmacy
In the 19th century, cannabis extracts and tinctures became common in American pharmacies. Doctors prescribed cannabis for a wide range of conditions, and it appeared in medical compendiums alongside other pharmaceuticals. By the mid-1800s, cannabis was well established as a medicinal ingredient in the U.S. Pharmacopeia. Boca Recovery Center
This medical acceptance continued until the early 20th century, even as attitudes toward recreational use began to shift and international regulation of cannabis tightened. HISTORY
Prohibition and the War on Weed
The most dramatic turning point in U.S. cannabis history came in the early 1900s. In 1937, the United States passed the Marihuana Tax Act, effectively criminalizing commercial cannabis, hemp, and marijuana by placing heavy taxes and restrictions on their production and distribution. This marked the beginning of strict nationwide prohibitions that would dominate the next several decades. Wikipedia
During World War II, however, the federal government briefly reversed course. The “Hemp for Victory” campaign encouraged farmers to grow hemp to support the war effort, particularly for rope and other military supplies. Once the war ended, hemp cultivation and legal cannabis use declined again under ongoing federal prohibition. Wikipedia
By 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified cannabis as a Schedule I substance, placing it alongside drugs regarded as having high abuse potential and no accepted medical use—a status that would frame federal cannabis policy for decades. Wikipedia
Cultural Icons and Cannabis Use
Despite legal restrictions, cannabis found a place in American culture. In the early 20th century, jazz legends like Louis Armstrong openly acknowledged their use, referring to cannabis as part of their creative and personal lives. Armstrong was even arrested on marijuana charges in 1930, illustrating the social tensions around cannabis long before widespread reform movements. Arete Hemp
This cultural presence continued even as laws were enforced, planting the seeds for future generations of activists and consumers to challenge prohibition.
Modern Reform and Legal Change
Beginning in the late 20th century, public attitudes and state policies began shifting. California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996, sparking a wave of state-level reforms. Since then, many states have legalized recreational use, created regulated hemp markets, and expanded protections for consumers and businesses in the cannabis space. Wikipedia
Recent federal discussions are evolving as well. In December 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to begin reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, potentially easing restrictions on research and industry practices—even though federal legalization has not yet been achieved. Reuters
Why Cannabis and Hemp History Matters Today
Understanding the journey of cannabis and hemp in the U.S. helps explain how we got here—and where the industry is headed. Hemp’s early role as a foundational crop contrasts sharply with later prohibitionist policies that criminalized the same plant. Today’s reforms reflect not just legal changes, but shifting public perceptions about cannabis’ medical value, economic potential, and cultural acceptance.
This history also illuminates why organizations and consumers alike now advocate for more research, fair legal frameworks, and equitable access to cannabis and hemp products.
Final Thoughts
From colonial fields of hemp to modern dispensaries and federally regulated markets, the story of cannabis in the United States is one of transformation. It is shaped by economic necessity, cultural expression, legal battles, and scientific discovery.
At Toastys Co, we see history not as a relic, but as context for the present—an evolving landscape where hemp and cannabis play meaningful roles in wellness, culture, and community.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay Toasty.