The Marihuana Tax Act

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was a U.S. law that imposed strict regulations and taxes on the sale and use of marijuana. It effectively criminalized cannabis by requiring sellers to pay a tax and obtain permits, making it difficult for them to operate legally. The law was influenced by widespread stigma and misinformation about marijuana, leading to a decline in its use and cultivation. Ultimately, the act laid the groundwork for future drug policies that categorized marijuana as an illegal substance, which has been a significant part of the ongoing debate about drug reform in the U.S.