The shift to decriminalize, and even legalize marijuana is very similar to what alcohol experienced in the prohibition era in the early 20th century.
It just so happens that marijuana has been off limits just as long.
In 1937 the Marihuana Tax Act was passed that levied a tax equaling about $1 for anyone commercially dealing cannabis, hemp or marijuana, however it didn't criminalize possession or use of the drug. A fine up to $2,000 or five years' imprisonment would be the penalty for disobeying the tax.
On the very first day the law went into effect, Octover 2, 1937, the FBI and Denver police raided the Lexington Hotel. They ended up arresting Samuel R. Caldwell, a 58-year-old unemployed laborer and 26-year-old Moses Baca.
They were the first people to ever be convicted of possession in a state that it is now legal to use!
