medical marijuana

Marijuana is introduced to Western medicine.

patent medicines containing marijuana are readily available in Britain and the U.S.

British chemists isolate a cannabinoid from the marijuana plant.

Thirty-three states outlaw marijuana except as medicine.

U.S. Pharmacopeia drops all mention of marijuana.

Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam announces isolation of THC, marijuana's principal psychoactive cannabinoid.

Controlled Substances Act creates five schedules, or categories, and Justice Department classifies marijuana in Schedule I, reserved for the most dangerous drugs with no accepted medical use; it cannot be grown, distributed or prescribed.

The government classifies synthetic THC as a Schedule II drug, allowing doctors to prescribe it for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and AIDS-related appetite loss.

public turns to opiates and synthetic painkillers.

Recreational marijuana use skyrockets

Medical marijuana becomes more widely accepted.