Where Is Marijuana Legal, and Are There Health Benefits to Marijuana?

Disclaimer: The information provided regarding marijuana use is current as of April, 2025. Marijuana laws are subject to change and can vary by location. Please consult your local laws and regulations for the most up-to-date information.

Marijuana 101: A Journey From Prohibition to Healing

Marijuana has long been a subject of intense debate in the United States. What was once seen as a controversial and harmful substance has slowly evolved into an area of medical, recreational, and legal reform. 

Advocates, including Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm, have championed marijuana’s potential to provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain and other ailments. 

From its early use as a medicinal herb to its modern-day status as a legal recreational substance in many states, marijuana’s journey through American history is both fascinating and complex. 

But when was marijuana first outlawed? When was it made legal again? Is marijuana legal where you live? Is it good for you, and if it’s not your thing anymore, how can you quit using marijuana?

Below, we’ll explore all these questions, and if you need any legal advice on the subject, just contact us for a free case evaluation—any time, anywhere, for no charge.

The History of Marijuana in the U.S.

Early Use and Medicinal Applications

Marijuana has a long history of medicinal use, dating back thousands of years. In the early 19th century, marijuana was commonly used in the U.S. as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including pain, nausea, and even anxiety. Early American settlers and farmers even cultivated hemp for its industrial uses, such as making ropes, sails, and fabric.

By the mid-1800s, cannabis extracts were included in popular medicinal products sold by American pharmacists, and marijuana was legally prescribed for numerous conditions. It was a widely accepted part of the American pharmacopoeia.

The Rise of Marijuana Prohibition: When Did Marijuana Become Illegal?

In the early 20th century, attitudes towards marijuana began to shift. A combination of cultural, political, and racial factors contributed to the growing opposition to marijuana. During the 1930s, anti-marijuana sentiment became more widespread, influenced by media campaigns and government propaganda.

In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, effectively banning marijuana across the U.S. The act imposed strict regulations on marijuana’s production, distribution, and use, making it nearly impossible for physicians and pharmacists to prescribe cannabis legally. This was the beginning of marijuana’s criminalization, and it was propelled by the fear and xenophobia surrounding Mexican immigrants, who were associated with the use of marijuana.

The prohibition of marijuana was further solidified in 1970 when the Controlled Substances Act was passed. Under this law, marijuana was classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it was considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This made it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess marijuana nationwide.

The Legalization of Marijuana Movement

The seeds of marijuana legalization began to sprout in the 1990s, following increased awareness of marijuana’s potential medicinal benefits. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, a significant milestone that helped pave the way for the eventual shift in public opinion. Slowly but surely, more states began to pass laws allowing for the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The tide began to change in the 2000s, with states like Colorado and Washington leading the charge toward full legalization of recreational marijuana. In 2012, Colorado and Washington made history as the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use, signaling the beginning of a new era in the U.S. marijuana landscape.

The Modern Era of Marijuana Legalization

Today, marijuana is legal for medical use in over 40 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in more than 20 states. In addition, the District of Columbia and several U.S. territories have also legalized marijuana in some form. The movement to legalize marijuana has gained significant momentum, with polls showing that the majority of Americans now support legalization.

At the federal level, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal under federal law. However, the federal government has largely refrained from interfering with state-level legalization efforts. This has led to a growing patchwork of state laws regarding marijuana use, with some states maintaining strict regulations while others have fully embraced recreational marijuana.

In What States Is Weed Legal? 

Here is a list of states that have legalized medical marijuana in the U.S.:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia (limited)
• Hawaii
• Idaho (limited)
• Illinois
• Indiana (CBD only)
• Iowa (limited)
• Kansas (CBD only)
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska (limited)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina (CBD only)
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina (CBD only)
• South Dakota
• Tennessee (CBD only)
• Texas (limited)
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin (CBD only)
• Wyoming (CBD only)

States where legal recreational marijuana has been approved include:

• Colorado
• Washington
• Alaska
• Oregon
• Washington, D.C.
• California
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• Michigan
• Vermont
• Guam
• Illinois
• Arizona
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• Virginia
• New Mexico
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• Maryland
• Missouri
• Delaware
• Minnesota
• Ohio

Is Weed Legal in Florida?

As of now, medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but recreational marijuana remains illegal.

Florida voters approved medical marijuana in 2016 through Amendment 2, which allows patients with qualifying conditions to use marijuana for medical purposes.

To access medical marijuana, patients must obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician and register with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Approved patients can purchase marijuana from state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs).

Tim Morgan, the brother of Morgan & Morgan founder, John Morgan, was the heart behind the vision that built our firm. Tim Morgan’s life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in the prime of his youth. In an instant, everything changed—not just for Tim but for the entire Morgan family. Watching Tim navigate life as a quadriplegic, John witnessed firsthand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll such injuries can take.

John and Tim Morgan together were also staunch advocates for Florida’s marijuana legalization. To this day, John retells the story of how Tim’s use of marijuana was a safer and more effective painkiller than any other medication given to Tim by his doctors.

The two brothers fought tenaciously to legalize medical marijuana in their home state, and today, over a million people in Florida have a medical marijuana card and—hopefully—less pain.

What Are the Health Benefits of Marijuana?

Marijuana has long been associated with its recreational use, but it has also been found to have several potential health benefits. For many individuals, including those who suffer from chronic pain, marijuana can provide a sense of relief that traditional pharmaceuticals may not offer.

Pain Management

One of the most well-documented uses of marijuana is in the treatment of chronic pain. The active compounds in marijuana, known as cannabinoids, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, mood, and other physiological functions. Studies have shown that marijuana can reduce chronic pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain.

For individuals suffering from severe injuries or conditions that cause unrelenting pain, marijuana has offered a potential alternative to opioids. John Morgan, the founder of Morgan & Morgan, has been vocal about how marijuana provided his brother with relief from chronic pain after a serious injury, underscoring the importance of marijuana as a healing agent for those who suffer from debilitating conditions.

Mental Health

Marijuana has also shown promise in treating certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While marijuana’s effects on mental health can vary from person to person, some studies suggest that marijuana can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, research has indicated that marijuana may have therapeutic benefits for individuals suffering from PTSD, as it can help reduce hyperarousal and intrusive memories.

Seizures and Epilepsy

In recent years, marijuana has gained attention for its potential to treat seizure disorders, particularly in children with epilepsy. The compound cannabidiol (CBD), which is found in marijuana, has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some individuals. In fact, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy.

Cancer and Chemotherapy

Marijuana has been shown to alleviate some of the side effects associated with cancer treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The cannabinoids in marijuana can stimulate the appetite and help prevent nausea, making it a valuable tool for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How Do You Stop Smoking Weed?

According to Yale Medicine, less than 10% of people who use marijuana or cannabis will exhibit behaviors of addiction. If you feel, however, that marijuana has become a problem in your life and are considering quitting, it is important to recognize that you are not alone. Many people have successfully stopped using marijuana with the right support and strategies. Here are a few steps to help you quit:

• Seek Professional Help: If you are struggling with marijuana use and feel that it is affecting your daily life, seeking the help of a therapist or counselor can be a good first step. They can help you address the psychological aspects of certain behavior patterns.
   
• Build a Support System: Talking to family and friends about your decision to quit can provide the emotional support you need during the process. Having a solid support system can make it easier to stay committed to your goal of quitting.
   
• Set Clear Goals: Setting clear, achievable goals can help you stay focused on your journey to quit smoking weed. Whether it’s reducing your use over time or quitting cold turkey, having a clear plan in place can help you stay on track.
   
• Find Healthy Alternatives: Engage in activities that can help you relax and cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or creative hobbies. Finding healthier alternatives to cope with anxiety or pain can reduce the urge to turn to marijuana.

What Happens if I Was in an Accident That Involved Marijuana Use?

• There are many reasons that someone could end up in an accident, and when these involve negligent or reckless actions of someone else, that information may turn up in a personal injury lawsuit. 
• If you believe that you or someone you love was injured in an accident because of serious reckless actions, this needs to be shared with a personal injury lawyer. If you were taken away from the accident scene and didn't have a chance to gather the information that might become part of your injury claim, the lawyers at Morgan and Morgan can help you pull this together.
• Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more.

Injured? Marijuana Can Relieve Pain. Morgan & Morgan Can Help With the Rest.

Marijuana has come a long way in the U.S. From being a widely used medicinal plant to being criminalized and eventually legalized again, marijuana’s journey reflects shifting public attitudes toward the substance. 

Today, marijuana is not only a source of relief for many individuals suffering from chronic pain, mental health issues, and other conditions, but it is also a major economic and cultural force in the U.S. While marijuana carries certain risks, its potential benefits cannot be ignored. As more states continue to legalize marijuana and its medical applications expand, it’s essential for individuals to make informed decisions about its use and seek help if they feel it is affecting their lives.

At Morgan & Morgan, we remain committed to advocating for the responsible legalization of marijuana and supporting those who benefit from its medicinal properties. Just as our founder John Morgan has witnessed firsthand, marijuana can be a vital part of someone’s healing journey.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence and have questions about your legal options, contact us for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and even pain and suffering.

We understand how challenging these experiences can be, and stand by the victims of accidents caused by negligence. Don’t bear the burden of someone else’s mistake—take action and get justice.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.