Marijuana Tax Act of 1937

The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was U.S. legislation that effectively restricted marijuana by imposing strict taxes and regulations on its sale, possession, and transfer. It required anyone dealing with marijuana to register and pay a tax, which was often difficult to do. The law was driven partly by social attitudes and industry lobbying, and it contributed to the criminalization of marijuana, making its use and sale heavily controlled and viewed negatively. Although it did not criminalize possession outright, it set the stage for future laws prohibiting marijuana altogether.